As a Fiddle Leaf Fig (*Ficus lyrata*), I thrive on bright, indirect light. It is the primary fuel for my photosynthesis process, allowing me to convert light, water, and carbon dioxide into the energy I need to grow large, glossy leaves and a strong trunk. However, the intense, unfiltered rays of direct sun, particularly the harsh afternoon sun, are more than I am adapted to handle. In my natural understory habitat, I am accustomed to dappled light filtered through the canopy of taller trees. When placed directly in a south or west-facing window without a barrier, the sheer intensity of the light can overwhelm my systems, leading to cellular damage.
Sunburn manifests on my foliage in distinct ways that are different from other issues like under-watering or disease. The most common sign is the appearance of brown, crispy spots or patches on the areas of the leaves that receive the most direct sun exposure. These spots often start as a lighter tan or yellow color before turning brown and becoming dry and papery to the touch. Unlike spots from overwatering, which can be soft and dark, sunburn spots are dry and do not spread in the same fungal-like pattern. You might also notice the edges of my leaves, especially the top ones closest to the window, turning brown and crispy. In severe cases, the entire leaf may become bleached, looking pale or almost white before browning and eventually dropping.
The visible browning is merely the symptom of a much deeper problem occurring at a cellular level. The intense solar radiation literally cooks the chloroplasts—the organelles within my leaf cells responsible for photosynthesis. This process, called photoinhibition, shuts down my food-production factories. The proteins and membranes within these cells become denatured and destroyed, leading to cell death. This is why the damaged areas cannot recover or turn green again; the leaf tissue is permanently scarred. This damage not only mars my appearance but also reduces my overall capacity to produce energy, weakening me over time and making me more susceptible to secondary stressors like pests.
If you notice signs of sunburn, immediate action is required to prevent further harm. Please move me away from the direct sun immediately. A spot a few feet back from the window, or in a room with an east-facing window that provides gentle morning sun, is ideal. You can also diffuse the intense light by using a sheer curtain as a filter, which mimics the dappled light of my natural home. Do not remove the sunburned leaves immediately if they are only partially damaged. While the scorched patches will not heal, the remaining green parts of the leaf are still functional and contributing to my energy production. Only prune a leaf once it is entirely brown and lifeless. Going forward, observe how the light moves through your space throughout the day to ensure I receive plenty of bright but indirect light to keep me healthy and strong.
