Apple Tree Brown Leaves

Charliebailey03

I planted 3 apple pips in October of last year, and since then 3 small plants have grown. Everything was fine until a few weeks ago, where I noticed the leaves of one of my plants had a brown stripe halfway up the leaf and was crispy beneath that. We took the plants to out local Hillars Garden Centre after many of the leaves had turned brown on one of my plants and had spread to my second plant. The lady at the garden centre told us that it was scorch, and I should water the tree at the base and make sure the leaves do not get wet. I accepted that and took her advice, however, I noticed the brown had spread all over the plants save the top few leaves, so I put it them in my plastic un-heated greenhouse as there had been a few leaves buzzing around the room which the lady assured were from compost eggs. I checked this morning on the plants and the brown is starting to go slightly golden and shiny. It has also spread to my third plant which I was hoping would be safe. Does anyone know what this could be??
Many Thanks, Charlie.

pansyface

Did the plants grow indoors behind glass and then get put outside at any time?

Glass blocks ultraviolet light and protects young leaves from sunlight. If young leaves are suddenly exposed to sunlight they can get scorched.

Charliebailey03

They had been on my chest of drawers inside under glass for a while, but they could've been exposed to direct sunlight at some point - I can't quite remember. I might have brought them outside to show neighbours etc. They did use to sit by my radiator so could they bave been scorched by that? Will the plants recover? And how do I prevent this from happening again? 

pansyface

I think you have been too kind to them.

Apples and pears are tough old things. Just think of all the seedlings that grow into fine trees along roadsides without help from anyone. They are completely hardy.

Probably, the leaves have never been given rough treatment from the weather, so have not toughened up and, possibly, have been more prone to damage from radiator heat, watering, sun scald etc. 

Don’t worry, springtime is on its way and you will be able to put them outside and let them get on with things. Damaged leaves will be replaced by new ones.