Question
I recently put all of my plants outside for a day of sun, which I like to do once a week in the warmer months. One of my plants now has black leaves. from the stem nearly to the tip, it is black about an inch on either side of the center seam. Is it the direct sunlight? It is only on one half of the plant, or because I had left them outside for the night?
Please let me know what you think.
Thank you,
Karen Kirbis

Answer
Hi Karen,

Please spare your plants from intense outdoor light. It is not at all good for them. Your plants are reacting to excess sun and excess heat. Probably one side was more exposed to the direct sun than the other.

In nature, plants put down roots and stay in one place throughout there lives. They are not well suited to adapt to sudden changes in their environment, especially light and temperature. They can be acclimated very gradually, but not suddenly.

Sun damaged leaves do not recover, so you should remove them. As long as you keep your plants indoors, new growth that emerges should be healthy and undamaged.

I have written an article on moving plants outside that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com