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, Chameleon

How 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.

Lighting

Chameleon Plant requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Houttuynia is always in the right place to thrive.

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