Does yellowing mean my plant needs fertilizer?

Not necessarily. Over-fertilizing can actually cause leaf burn. Only fertilize in early spring if the plant looks weak.

Can too much shade cause yellowing?

Usually, hostas love shade, but if the plant is in total darkness, it may lose its deep blue color and turn a pale, sickly green.

Blue plantain lily: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is waterlogged or muddy.
Look at the base of the plant to see if only the oldest leaves are yellowing.
Ensure the plant is not sitting in a tray of excess water.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn a pale yellow, often starting from the bottom of the plant, and the soil feels constantly soggy.
What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Ensure the pot has proper drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of standing water.
Natural senescence
Possible
How to tell: Older leaves at the base of the plant turn yellow as the season progresses.
What to do: Simply remove the yellowing leaves as they die back. This is a normal part of the plant's life cycle.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your blue plantain lily

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.

When to worry

If the yellowing is happening to new leaves or the entire plant is turning yellow, you have a problem. If it is just one or two old leaves, it is perfectly normal.

Stopping it coming back

Avoid overwatering by checking the soil moisture before every watering session. Ensure your soil mix is well draining to prevent water from pooling around the roots.

Blue plantain lily: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your blue plantain lily 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Does yellowing mean my plant needs fertilizer?: Not necessarily. Over-fertilizing can actually cause leaf burn. Only fertilize in early spring if the plant looks weak.
Can too much shade cause yellowing?: Usually, hostas love shade, but if the plant is in total darkness, it may lose its deep blue color and turn a pale, sickly green.

Why are my Blue plantain lily leaves turning yellow?