Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Check that the plant is receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
- Inspect the water for signs of murkiness or debris.
- Verify the water depth is within the 0 to 6 inch range.
Likely causes
Insufficient light
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant looks pale and the leaves lose their vibrant green color.
What to do: Move the container to a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun. If it is in a shaded pond, consider thinning out floating vegetation that might be blocking the light.
Nutrient deficiency
PossibleHow to tell: Older leaves turn yellow while the rest of the plant looks stunted.
What to do: Add a slow release aquatic plant fertilizer tablet into the soil around the roots. Do this once every spring to ensure the plant has enough fuel for the season.
Find out what's wrong with your common water plantain
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die back as the plant grows. Worry only if the new growth is yellowing or the whole plant looks weak.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in a sunny location and provide a balanced aquatic fertilizer once per year.
Common water plantain: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common water plantain and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I just trim off the yellow leaves?
- Yes, you can snip them off at the base with clean shears. This keeps the plant looking tidy and prevents rot in the water.
- Does yellowing mean I have too much water?
- No, this plant loves being wet. It is much more likely to be a light or nutrient issue.
More problems with Common water plantain
Back to the Common water plantain guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.