FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

I had my vft sitting in direct sunlight since 12pm until now 6pm and there's red on the trap and leaf... is it a sun burn?

I'm not sure by the photo, but sunburn makes the leaves pale.

Good light brings out the colors that a VFT may have a propensity for. Some stay green, not a hint of red. Some get a blush of red inside the traps. Some have their traps go entirely red. Some will turn entirely red, even down to a deep purple. As long as the leaves don't dry out, blacken, wilt, or pack up and leave, you're good.
P.S. Your plants look really good, keep it up with your bad self!

ChefDean wrote: ↑Tue Apr 13, 2021 11:59 pm Good light brings out the colors that a VFT may have a propensity for. Some stay green, not a hint of red. Some get a blush of red inside the traps. Some have their traps go entirely red. Some will turn entirely red, even down to a deep purple. As long as the leaves don't dry out, blacken, wilt, or pack up and leave, you're good.
P.S. Your plants look really good, keep it up with your bad self!

Thank you! Now I feel more relieved

@ChefDean, as for sunburns are they cause when temperature is extremely high?

Flytraps regularly experience high temps, so it's not just that. If a VFT is suddenly thrust into direct sunlight, and they are not used to that intensity, they could "burn". In their struggle to adapt, the existing leaves will rapidly decline and die off, the traps and leaves will turn paler, and the edges of the traps may blacken. The new leaves that grow out will be accustomed to the new intensity of light. Don't worry if all the leaves die off before new ones grow, the rhizome has enough stored energy to grow new ones.
Looking at your pic, you do have some early signs of sunburn, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. Keep them moist and they'll be fine.

ChefDean wrote: ↑Wed Apr 14, 2021 4:50 pm Flytraps regularly experience high temps, so it's not just that. If a VFT is suddenly thrust into direct sunlight, and they are not used to that intensity, they could "burn". In their struggle to adapt, the existing leaves will rapidly decline and die off, the traps and leaves will turn paler, and the edges of the traps may blacken. The new leaves that grow out will be accustomed to the new intensity of light. Don't worry if all the leaves die off before new ones grow, the rhizome has enough stored energy to grow new ones.
Looking at your pic, you do have some early signs of sunburn, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. Keep them moist and they'll be fine.

Got it, thank you!