Which type of plants are more susceptible to insect attacks?

Unhealthy plants tend to be more susceptible to insect attacks primarily because their weakened condition makes them less capable of resisting pests and diseases. Factors that contribute to a plant's health include environmental stress, nutrient deficiencies, and damage from previous pest infestations. When plants are unhealthy, their natural defenses, such as producing secondary metabolites that deter insects, are compromised. This lack of resilience provides a more favorable environment for pests to thrive, which can lead to increased infestations.

While young plants might also be vulnerable as they are still developing, unhealthy plants are specifically at a greater risk due to their diminished overall health. Healthy plants, on the other hand, generally have more robust defenses against pests, and flowering plants, while they can attract certain insects, do not inherently indicate a higher susceptibility to infestations compared to unhealthy plants. Thus, the distinction lies in the health status of the plants, making unhealthy ones particularly vulnerable to insect attacks.