I do like smooth backgrounds and you did a fine job there!
The less-than pristine thing is not a detractor for me in this image! It is an enhancer
I think it would be a very strong piece if the tip of the leaf, being so beautifully lit and curved/twisted and with its range of color, were also in better focus and the full frame were shifted just a little bit lower. The top shine and light line on the back leaf are great and important and yet the more interesting part of the photo to me is the lower portion of the flared triangle.
Background color--I just assumed that is just is what it is cuz that's what mine always are. But Ann's suggestion to choose a different color has me wondering about fake backgrounds...maybe I need to get some
