Houttuynia cordata aka Chameleon Plant
Taxonomy
Houttuynia cordata, also known as Fish Mint, Fish Leaf, Rainbow Plant, Chameleon Plant, Heart Leaf, and Chinese Lizard Tail, is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. It is one of two species in the genus Houttuynia, with the other being H. emeiensis. This common plant grows in moist, shady locations and is becoming increasingly popular as an excellent form of ground cover. It was named after Martinus Houttuyn, and it can reach up to about 12in(30cm) and spread up to around 3ft(91cm) with heart-shaped leaves and a spike of greenish-yellow flowers.
The Chameleon Plant is an aggressive groundcover with a creeping habit that spreads by rhizomes. It is very shade-tolerant but not drought-tolerant, preferring moist soil to shallow water (1-2 in). It has a variety of practical uses all over Asia, including culinary use, where it is often used as a leafy vegetable or garnish.
Common names
Chameleon Plant, Houttuynia, ChameleonHow to care for Chameleon Plant
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Chameleon Plant is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Chameleon Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Chameleon Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Chameleon Plant to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
Region of origin
Chameleon Plant’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas.
More info:
Wikipedia
