Sunburnt leaves
The rapid change to summer heat in spring this year burnt the leaves of many plants because they weren’t ready for it. For many years I’ve said that plants need to get a suntan just like us, or they burn in the sun.
Sounds weird doesn’t it? That plants feed on sunlight, yet they can get sunburnt.
Well a new discovery has occurred that proves that plants do produce an anti-sunburn chemical to allow photosynthesis while it prevents sunburn.
So, if you have a plant inside, never put it out into full sun straight away. Put it in part shade for a week or two until it produces its natural sunscreen. Eventually you may be able to put it into full sun – as long as it isn’t a fern or similar shade loving plant.
As you might expect, plants from the northern hemisphere can sunburn under Australia’s strong sun. Japanese dissectum maples get sunburn on their stems and leaves.
- Protect yourself and your plants from sun damage.
Hooroo!
