{"product_id":"alternanthera-bettzickiana-aurea-the-calico-plant","title":"Alternanthera bettzickiana 'Aurea' (the calico-plant)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlternanthera bettzickiana 'Aurea' (commonly known as the calico-plant) is a striking perennial herb famous for its vibrant, golden-yellow and lime-green variegated foliage. Native to South America, it grows as a compact bushy plant reaching 20 to 50 cm in height. It is highly versatile, popular both as a terrestrial ground cover in frost-free gardens and as a colorful accent in aquariums, terrariums, and paludariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCore Plant Characteristics\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage: Small, slightly wavy, oval leaves with distinct yellow and green marbling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth Habit: Creeping, dense, and bushy, spreading horizontally over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStems: Multi-branched, rounding out at the base and becoming square-shaped near the tips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers: Produces very small, inconspicuous white flower clusters at the leaf joints during late summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComprehensive Care Guide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLighting Requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntensity: High to moderate light is critical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuration: Provide 8 to 10 hours of bright light daily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImpact: Insufficient light causes the bright golden color to fade into a dull, plain green.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Climate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal Range: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStability: Avoid sudden drafts, temperature spikes, or frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutdoor Use: Suitable only for tropical, subtropical, or frost-free zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoil \u0026amp; Substrate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerrestrial\/Emersed: Rich, clay-based soil that retains moisture well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAquatic\/Submerged: A highly nutritious substrate is required to support its heavy root feeding habits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater Parameters (For Aquatic\/Paludarium Use)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH Level: 6.5 to 7.5 (tolerates up to 8.5).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater Hardness: 4 to 20 dGH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCO₂ \u0026amp; Circulation: While it can survive without it, adding CO₂ injection and maintaining good water flow greatly speeds up growth and improves vitality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNutrients \u0026amp; Fertilization\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIron Supplements: This plant is demanding when it comes to nutrients. Regular doses of iron-rich fertilizer are essential to maintain the intense golden coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintenance \u0026amp; Propagation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePruning: It grows at a moderate to fast pace. Regularly trim the tops to prevent the plant from overtaking its neighbors and to force a denser, bushier shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePropagation: Highly straightforward. Simply cut a healthy stem section and push it back into the substrate. New roots will anchor themselves and develop rapidly within a couple of weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"Melting\" Phase: If you buy this plant in its dry, land-grown form (emersed) and submerge it in an aquarium, the old leaves may die off or \"melt\". Do not worry; this is normal as the plant transitions to its underwater form.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jasmin Aquatics Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53444347199785,"sku":null,"price":10.5,"currency_code":"AED","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0966\/4325\/2521\/files\/Micro-Pellets_20260822_233943_0000.png?v=1787427617","url":"https:\/\/jasminaquaticsstore.com\/ar\/products\/alternanthera-bettzickiana-aurea-the-calico-plant","provider":"Jasmin Aquatics Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}