## 4 Discussion
In a broader context, in ornamental pepper plants, neural network models have been used to predict plant diameter and height but not before, up to our knowledge, to classify them as ornamental based on the estimated parameters [26]. [PERSON] et al. [45], by combining multiple prediction models, were able to forecast a population of western flower thrips (_Franklinella occidentalis_), a notorious greenhouse pest, one week in advance in sweet pepper crops. Most studies applying prediction models in ornamental plants focus on species classification [46; 47; 48; 49] and the classification of biotic and abiotic stresses [50] as well, making it difficult to compare the results of this article with the literature. Interestingly, a comparison of Figures 5 and 7 reveals significant differences in feature relevance for classification, depending on the criterion used. This divergence highlights how the choice of criterion prioritizes distinct morphological or aesthetic traits, underscoring the subjectivity or contextual dependence of ornamental plant evaluation. In pepper plants, growth habit and leaf density depend on the genotype used [51] and directly influence the photosynthetic rate, affecting plant vigor and size. In plants with erect architecture and dense foliage, self-shading can reduce light absorption, and this effect is also dependent on leaf orientation [52]. Thus, even if still small, it is possible to detect variations in leaf density and growth habit that will directly influence ornamental quality in more advanced stages of development. The ornamental plant market, including cooperatives such as Veiling Holambra, adopts technical standards for uniformity of size, resistance, health, post-harvest life, and packaging to facilitate logistics, comply with phytosanitary legislation, and maintain consistent commercial value. According to [PERSON] [53], standardization serves as a basis for evaluation. On the other hand, consumers of ornamental plants value aesthetic and symbolic aspects such as color, size, ease of maintenance, sustainability, and uniqueness. In pepper plants, aspects such as plant architecture, quantity, shape, color, and position of the fruits, as well as their durability in the vase, are valued [54]. Plant breeders can use the gap between market standards and consumer taste as a strategic opportunity to guide the selection process for the development of cultivars within an ornamental genetic improvement program. This explains the divergence between the classification observed when using the Holambra criterion and the opinion of experts. In this study, data from the two growth conditions (controlled and uncontrolled) were aggregated for analysis, as our primary objective was to assess overall patterns rather than condition-dependent effects. However, future work could reveal biologically meaningful insights by analyzing each condition separately, given that plants dynamically perceive and adapt their development in response to environmental cues such as light, temperature, and humidity [55]. Furthermore, it is known that temperature is the main factor for plant growth and development, influencing characteristics such as root and shoot growth, seed yield, flowering and flower size, as well as sensitivity to pests [56; 57; 58]. Environmental temperature influences the speed at which plants process energy. Thus, changes in relative humidity and temperature have a direct impact on the process of stomatal opening and photosynthesis, justifying the influence on plant growth and development [59; 60]. In the literature, some authors have reported differences in the prediction of morphological characteristics of plants grown under stress conditions. [PERSON] et al. [61] investigated several factors that can influence the predictive modeling of plant growth, especially under stress conditions. The authors highlighted the use of temperature indices, environmental conditions during measurement, and the choice of appropriate statistical metrics to improve the accuracy and robustness of predictive models.