What does damaged foliage typically look like?

Damaged foliage often displays symptoms that indicate a variety of issues affecting the plant, such as pest damage or disease. The description of foliage as stippled and potentially turning off-green, yellow, or orange is characteristic of certain forms of injury, particularly from pests such as aphids or spider mites. These pests feed on the sap of the leaves, leading to discoloration and a stippled appearance as the plant cells become compromised. This reaction in the leaves' color reflects stress due to the damage.

In contrast, brown and wilting foliage typically suggests drought stress or root issues, while necrotic and dry leaves signal more severe damage, possibly from diseases or chemical injury. Glossy and healthy leaves indicate optimal plant health and are not associated with any signs of damage. Thus, recognizing stippled coloration and discoloration is key in diagnosing issues related to foliage damage effectively.