[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Old flower spikes can be cut off (use a sterilized tool, don't use alcohol), but don't cut off any canes. It is not important what the size of the canes are, but how old they are. The newest growth is zero years old, and if you follow the chain of connection backwards, each successive growth back is another year older. So the oldest canes will loose leaves, and newer canes this time of year will lose some of their lower leaves. Sun burn always has the pattern that the part of the leaf facing most towards the sun will have the color change, and it usually is in the form of a single large spot, definitely not the whole leaf. My guess is that the leaf loss is normal, and the plant will probably do better with more light, but feel the leaves when the sun shines to avoid sunburn. Warm to the touch is OK, or a little warmer, but not hot to the touch. As the seasons change you will eventually have a problem and probably will need a filmy curtain to shade the plant a little.