Fangfang Ding¹ , Mengting Luo²

1 Zhejiang Qimei Ecological Agriculture Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 311107, Zhejiang, China
2 Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Plant Gene and Trait, 2026, Vol. 17, No. 2   
Received: 21 Mar., 2026    Accepted: 17 Apr., 2026    Published: 28 Apr., 2026

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Phalaenopsis is an important ornamental crop, and its flower color and morphological traits are key determinants of ornamental value and commercial application. This study systematically analyzes the variation characteristics of flower color (including solid, bicolor, and patterned types) and morphological traits (flower form, inflorescence, and plant architecture) in Phalaenopsis, and further elucidates their underlying mechanisms from genetic, environmental, and cultivation management perspectives. The results indicate that variation in flower color is primarily regulated by anthocyanin metabolism and its associated regulatory genes, whereas morphological traits are governed by complex polygenic interactions. Environmental factors such as light, temperature, and nutrient conditions significantly influence trait expression by modulating physiological processes and gene expression. Based on representative cultivar case studies, the study further demonstrates how trait combinations affect ornamental value and market positioning, and discusses their practical applications in cultivar selection and production management. In response to current challenges such as cultivar homogenization and insufficient trait stability, strategies emphasizing germplasm innovation and precise regulation are proposed. This study provides a theoretical basis for trait optimization and the advancement of commercial horticulture applications in Phalaenopsis.

Phalaenopsis; Flower color variation; Morphological traits; Commercial horticulture; Market positioning