How To Save A Sunburnt Philodendron El Choco Red

If you've noticed your Philodendron El Choco Red looking a bit crispy, it might have caught a little too much sunshine. This plant, known for its velvety leaves and stunning red undersides, is a favorite among plant lovers. But just like us, it can suffer from a sunburn. Don’t worry, though! With a little TLC, your plant can bounce back and continue to be the star of your indoor jungle.

In this article, we’ll walk through how to help your sunburnt El Choco Red recover. We’ll cover everything from recognizing the signs of sunburn to adjusting its environment, and even how to nurture it back to health. Let's get started and turn that crispy foliage back into the lush beauty it was meant to be!

Recognizing Sunburn on Philodendron El Choco Red

First things first, how do you know your El Choco Red has sunburn? Well, the signs are often quite clear, yet subtle enough to be confused with other issues. Sunburn on plants manifests in a few distinct ways:

• Brown or scorched leaves: You might notice patches of brown or even crispy, dried edges on the leaves where they've been exposed to too much direct light.
• Bleached spots: These are areas that have turned a lighter color, often white or yellowish, indicating the chlorophyll has been damaged by the sun.
• Drooping leaves: While this can indicate many issues, in the case of sunburn, it’s often combined with the above symptoms.

If you spot these signs, it’s important to act quickly. The longer the plant is exposed to the conditions causing the damage, the harder it will be to restore its health. However, don’t panic! Identifying the problem is the first step to solving it.

Moving Your Plant to a Safer Location

So, you've confirmed your plant has a sunburn. The next step is to move it to a less sunny spot. Philodendron El Choco Red thrives in bright, indirect light rather than direct sunlight, which can be too intense.

Try placing your plant in a room with plenty of natural light but away from windows where the sun directly hits. A north or east-facing window is ideal because the light is gentler. If natural light is limited, you might consider using a grow light. Just ensure it’s not too close or intense for the plant.

Remember, while the plant needs sufficient light to thrive, too much direct exposure can lead to the crispy leaves we’re trying to avoid. Finding that balance is key, and sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error. But that's part of the fun of being a plant parent, right?

Pruning Damaged Leaves

Once your Philodendron is settled in a more suitable location, it's time to deal with those damaged leaves. Pruning is like giving your plant a fresh start. While it might feel like you're cutting off part of your beloved plant, removing damaged leaves can actually help it recover more quickly.

Here’s how to do it:

• Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears: This helps prevent any infection or further damage to the plant.
• Cut at the base: Trim as close to the stem as possible without cutting into the healthy part of the plant.
• Don’t over-prune: While it might be tempting to remove all the damaged leaves, try to retain as much of the healthy foliage as possible to help the plant photosynthesize and recover.

Pruning not only helps the plant focus its energy on new growth, but it also improves its overall appearance. Plus, seeing those fresh new leaves emerge is incredibly satisfying.

Adjusting Watering Habits

Sunburn can sometimes be exacerbated by improper watering. Now that your plant is in a more suitable location, take a moment to reassess your watering routine. Philodendrons generally prefer to dry out a bit between waterings, so let the top two inches of soil dry before giving it a drink.

Here’s a simple way to check if your plant needs water:

1. Stick your finger into the soil about two inches deep.
2. If it feels dry at this depth, it’s time to water.
3. If it’s still moist, wait a few more days and check again.

When watering, make sure to do so thoroughly, allowing water to drain out from the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the roots get enough moisture without sitting in excess water, which can lead to root rot. Remember, it's better to under-water than over-water when your plant is recovering from sunburn.

Feeding Your Philodendron

Just like us, plants need nutrients to recover from stress. Your Philodendron will benefit from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to help it regain its strength and encourage new growth. However, be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can cause more harm than good.

Here’s a simple fertilization routine to follow:

• Frequency: Feed your plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Concentration: Use a diluted solution, about half the recommended strength on the fertilizer package, especially when your plant is recovering.
• Observation: Watch for signs of new growth and adjust feeding as necessary. If your plant is putting out new leaves, you’re on the right track!

Feeding your plant the right nutrients can make a big difference in its recovery, helping it bounce back with vigor and vitality.

Providing Humidity

Philodendron El Choco Red, like many tropical plants, loves humidity. Dry air can exacerbate leaf damage and slow down recovery. If your home is on the drier side, especially during winter, consider increasing the humidity around your plant.

Here are a few ways to boost humidity:

• Mist the leaves: Gently mist the plant a couple of times a week, especially if the air is dry.
• Use a humidity tray: Place a tray filled with pebbles and water beneath your plant’s pot. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plant.
• Invest in a humidifier: This is the most effective way to maintain consistent humidity, benefiting not just your plant, but you as well!

Maintaining proper humidity levels will not only aid in recovery but also prevent future sunburn and other issues.

Monitoring and Patience

As you implement these steps, keep an eye on your plant’s progress. Recovery won’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. New growth is a good sign that your plant is on the mend.

Here’s what you can do:

• Regularly check for new leaves: New growth indicates that the plant is recovering.
• Observe any changes: If the plant seems to be worsening, reassess its environment and care routine.
• Be patient: Plants operate on their own timeline. Consistency and patience are your best allies!

Patience is truly a virtue when it comes to plant care. Each new leaf is a little victory worth celebrating!

Preventing Future Sunburn

Once your El Choco Red is back in top shape, you’ll want to prevent future sunburns. Here are some proactive measures you can take:

• Keep it in the right spot: Ensure your plant stays in a location with bright, indirect light.
• Rotate your plant: Give it a quarter turn every few weeks so all sides get even light exposure.
• Use sheer curtains: If you must place your plant near a sunny window, consider using a curtain to diffuse the light.

These small adjustments can make a big difference, keeping your plant healthy and happy for the long haul.

Final Thoughts

Saving a sunburnt Philodendron El Choco Red involves recognizing the damage, adjusting its environment, and nurturing it back to health with careful watering, feeding, and patience. With time and care, your plant will recover and continue to bring joy to your space.

At Cafe Planta, we’re passionate about helping you care for your plants. Whether you have questions about plant care or need to add some greenery to your home, feel free to email us or DM us on Instagram. We believe plants bring people together, and we're here to support you in your plant journey!