Beyond Blooms: Harnessing Underexplored Plant Extracts to Enhance Yield, Quality, and Longevity of Ornamental Plants

Plant extracts are increasingly recognized as sustainable alternatives that can improve the yield and quality of ornamental plants while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. These extracts are rich in bioactive compounds, amino acids, phytohormones, and minerals that can influence various physiological and biochemical processes within plants. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the use of plant extracts in ornamental horticulture, from seed germination and seedling emergence to vegetative growth, flowering, and postharvest maintenance. Reports indicate that such extracts can stimulate germination, improve photosynthetic efficiency, and promote balanced growth, thereby enhancing yield traits. Moreover, plant extracts improve chemical quality, including essential oil content and antioxidant capacity, and extend the postharvest life of cut flowers and potted plants. Underlying mechanisms include hormonal regulation, stress tolerance, nutrient uptake, and improved assimilation. Although promising, the effectiveness of plant extract depends on factors such as plant species, extract composition, concentration, and timing of application. This review addresses the need for standardized production methods, optimized application protocols, and deeper investigation into molecular-level mechanisms to fully harness the potential of plant extracts in ornamental plant cultivation.