Connect the damage with the move
Note when the plant changed position and which leaves faced the strongest light. Pale, bleached or dry brown patches appearing after sudden sun exposure can be consistent with scorch, but other causes should still be considered. Photograph both exposed and shaded sides. Check whether damage follows the direction of the light rather than spreading evenly through the plant. This history is especially useful when an indoor plant has moved outside or a shaded plant has suddenly received direct sun after nearby pruning.
Stop the exposure without creating darkness
Move the plant to a suitable sheltered, bright position while you assess it. Avoid repeatedly shuttling it between extremes. Check the potting mix and water only according to the root-zone condition; scorched leaves do not automatically mean dry roots. A plant can suffer light damage while its pot remains wet. Do not apply extra fertiliser as an immediate rescue. Stabilise the growing conditions first and allow the remaining healthy foliage to continue supporting the plant.
Expect damaged tissue to remain marked
Scorched areas will not turn back into healthy green leaf tissue. Remove fully dead leaves when appropriate, but keep useful undamaged portions unless there is another reason to prune. Watch new growth and the progression of existing damage over the following days. Record whether the plant is stable, producing new leaves or continuing to decline. If symptoms spread despite corrected exposure, investigate roots, pests, temperature and other possible causes instead of continuing to attribute every new problem to the original move.
Build the next transition gradually
When the plant is ready, increase exposure in stages suited to the species and the weather. Start with protected conditions and avoid intense midday sun or drying wind during the early transition. Even sun-loving plants grown indoors can need acclimatisation. Check moisture more frequently outdoors because airflow and temperature may change drying speed. Keep a short record of where the plant stood and for how long. A successful transition ends in a position appropriate to the species, not necessarily full sun, with healthy new growth confirming that the conditions fit.
A little further reading
Match these general notes to your plant variety, climate and local conditions.
