Check these first
- Stick your finger into the soil to check for dampness.
- Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Look for signs of pests on the underside of the leaves.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch.
What to do: Let the top 2 inches of soil dry out before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so water does not sit at the bottom.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow, feel crispy, and the edges start to curl.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a consistent schedule so the soil stays slightly damp.
Find out what's wrong with your foxglove
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
A few yellow leaves at the very base of the plant are normal as it ages. If the yellowing spreads to the top leaves, take action immediately.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy by checking the moisture level before every watering.
Foxglove: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your foxglove 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
- Should I remove yellow leaves?
- Yes, you can snip off yellow leaves with clean scissors. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.
- Is yellowing a sign of disease?
- Sometimes, but it is usually a watering issue. If the yellowing is accompanied by spots or wilting, check for root rot.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Foxglove
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.

