Burrageara Nelly Isler Color Fade: Normal Maturation, Not Lighting—Fertilizer Burn Warning

Question:

Nelly Isler: deep red petals when bought, now faded red on fresh blooms. Wrong lighting (south window, mod/bright)? Tried bloom fert → burnt tips, flushed.

Answer:

Hi Gina, flowers grow larger as they age; pigment spreads over larger area → color diffuses. Nothing to do with your conditions. Most growers recommend east window but tolerates most light. Ideal: 55–68°F night, 68–85°F day. Mature color: bright orange-red, peach lip, suffused red spots in lip (varies). Bloom booster at bud formation may enhance color. Cut fertilizer to ¼ tsp/gal water—you're burning tips.