Help Immediately on sunburnt baby plant!!?

Question

I left some of my 3 month old baby plants outside for some sun and it was only for a few hours and when I went to see how they were they are wilted, not completely torched brown just wilted... will they come back you think? They are all still green as before... Is it too late???

Answer 1

Keep them watered and put them in a cool shady spot for a couple days and hope for the best. RScott

Answer 2

If a plant has not been in direct sunlight for a while - even if it is supposed to get direct sunlight - it will go into shock by too much sun (basically get sunburnt).

The damage to the plant is that the burn destroys the burnt part of the plant's ability to transfer water to the affected areas. That's why you got that initial wilt. If the damage is severe enough, that part of the plant will die. This is because the damage affected the ability of the plant to generate nutrients from photosynthesis, because the burning destroys the chlorophyl in the plant. But, it may not be too late to save the rest of the plant.

Water well and keep the plant in a location where it gets indirect light. Be careful that you don't overwater to the point where you get root rot. If the affected part of the plant turns brown and dies, trim that part off for aesthetics. Don't fertilize the plant, as this will further shock it.

With luck, your plants will come back. But, you may have to baby them for a long time and you might just consider replacing them.

Answer 3

The fall sunshine is moving its position in the sky fast these days, so be very careful where you put your plants. Especially if you only want them to get a couple of hours of sun. We have one shaded area that is now getting direct sun in the afternoons. I'll have to pull those container plants way back to keep them out of the sun.

Answer 4

They will be fine,bring around to the east side of the house for sun.That is what is considered the morning sun...Will not get as hot as evening sun..Hope this helps.