Rose Leaves Turn Papery: Rose Slugs, Fertilizer Burn, or Waterlogging

Diagnosing Translucent, Papery Rose Leaves

Rose leaves suddenly look dry, thin, papery despite heavy rain. Underside of bloom has brown papery spots.

Three Likely Causes

1. Rose slugs: Check leaf undersides for larvae. Transparent holes = slug feeding.
2. Fertilizer burn: Recent application? Brown spots on petals too.
3. Waterlogging: Too much rain stresses roots → poor leaf quality.

Action

• If slugs: spray rose slug insecticide.
• If fertilizer burn: water heavily to flush.
• If waterlogged: improve drainage, wait for soil to dry.