Chinese Evergreen Sunburn & Recovery: Can It Be Saved?

Moving a low-light Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) to direct sun caused severe sunburn—yellow, wilted leaves that won't recover. The prior dark period weakened it; sun finished the damage.

Rescue Steps

1. Remove all yellow/wilted leaves—cut at base.
2. If plant looks leggy, cut stems to 2"—new growth emerges from nodes.
3. Return to bright indirect light (north/east window).
4. Water only when top inch dry.
5. No fertilizer until new growth appears.

Assessing Viability

• Roots firm & light-colored? Good chance.
• Stems firm? Will resprout.
• Stems soft/mushy? Root rot—discard.

Key Lessons

• Never move low-light plants to direct sun.
• Chinese evergreens tolerate low light but grow slowly.
• Tap water (even chlorinated) is fine.

Wait 4–6 weeks. If no new growth, roots are too damaged.