Sunburn or Disease?

10 years ago

So I started some heartleaf philodendron cuttings a few weeks ago and they all rooted, despite being planted in water "upside-down". My question today is unrelated to cutting orientation because apparently for this plant, it decided it didn't matter. Initially a few leaves started dying off-maybe stress or perhaps due to the fact that when the plant had been removed from the store wall by the original owner it had been allowed to go bone dry then left on the front lawn under high noon sun sporting it's free sign. Well, the leaves kept dying one by one whether or not the cuttings had rooted and were actively putting out tiny, new leaves. Then I noticed that there were occasional red spots on the dying leaves. Now it looks like the new leaves have the red spots and are dying, and since those are brand new growth, I'm starting to suspect disease-or sunburn, since I do have them in a bright window-and because I already have a happy, healthy, heartleaf philodendron I don't want to fall ill, I'm considering committing philo-cide and tossing out all these cuttings, new buds and all.
So my question is, in your opinions, does it look like sunburn, or disease?

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Comments (12)

rachels_haven
Original Author
10 years ago
This leaf just looks weird.
rachels_haven
Original Author
10 years ago
More spots.
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rachels_haven
Original Author
10 years ago
More advanced stage.
rachels_haven
Original Author
10 years ago
More.
rachels_haven
Original Author
10 years ago
Yellow spots spreading.
rachels_haven
Original Author
10 years ago
What it's supposed to look like.
teengardener1888
10 years ago
it seems to be of little concern if it is out of direct light. Philos naturally lose leaves occasionally. Im shure you are taking care of them properly
birdsnblooms
10 years ago
Hi Rachel,

Are the spots red or brown?

So, the previous owner kept an indirect-light Philo outside, in direct sun? Did they bother watering? How awful is that? !!

Sunburn leaves I've seen turn red, but after Googling sunburned foliage, there are photos with spots similiar to yours.
One site states, sunburned leaves with spots usually have a yellow ring around the burnt area.

Too much sun and water can cause leaf spot.

Now that your Philo rooted, why not pot in soil?
Water, then place in semi-shade about a week, then up to bright-indirect light after your Philo is established.

One site said removing burnt leaves isn't necessary, but I disagree..Although I would keep a couple spotted leaves to see if it spreads..IF spots spread, the problem isn't sunburn.

BTW, isolate from other plants, in case it's diseased.

I checked my Philos after reading your thread. Philos in lower light don't have brown spots, but one Philo, in the upstairs bathroom that gets direct west exposure have similiar spots..It is sunburn. Summer west, on a second floor, unobstructed window is too harsh for Philos.
Thicker leaf types endure brighter light, but your Philo has thin leaves which, in full sun, will burn and spot.

Obviously, previous owners wanted to rid Philos, so they placed any-old-where. They probably assumed, if it died, so be it. Free plant!!!

Good luck, Toni
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
10 years ago
The 1st and 5th look like they are sunburned. The spots are not something I've seen on this kind of plant before.
rachels_haven
Original Author
10 years ago
Okay, today is potting day for some african violet cuttings anyway, so I will pot this and isolate at the same time.
Let's see what happens! (the usual decision with house plants :)
-R
rachels_haven
Original Author
10 years ago
Well, it looks like the philodendron is going to be healthy. It's showing lots of encouraging, blemish-less new growth. I'm still watching for irregularities as usual, but I think we're out of the woods for now and I'm taking it back with me when I move on Saturday.

Thanks all,
Rachel
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
10 years ago
Nice! Bottom right corner, nice new tip about to unfold. Hope your move goes smoothly!