Check these first
- Check the soil moisture with your finger.
- Look for white, dusty patches on the leaves.
- Ensure the plant is getting at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or limp. The soil remains wet for days after watering.
What to do: Stop watering until the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure the plant is in a spot with plenty of direct sun to help the soil dry out.
Powdery mildew
PossibleHow to tell: A white, powdery coating appears on the leaves, which may eventually cause them to yellow and drop.
What to do: Increase airflow around the plant to reduce humidity. You can wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the mildew.
Find out what's wrong with your greater 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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing is happening on many leaves at once.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and provide plenty of sunlight.
Greater Plantain: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your greater 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
- Is my plant getting too much sun?
- Broadleaf Plantain loves full sun, so it is very unlikely to be getting too much. It is more likely to suffer from too little light.
- Should I fertilize yellow leaves?
- No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Fix the watering or light issue first before considering any plant food.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Greater Plantain
- Why does my Broadleaf Plantain have brown spots?
- Why is my Greater Plantain drooping?
- Why is my Greater Plantain looking leggy?
- What are these bugs on my Broadleaf Plantain?
- Why are my Greater Plantain's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Greater Plantain showing signs of root rot?
- Why are my Greater Plantain leaves curling?
Back to the Greater 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.

