Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata)
Also known as: Fish mint, Heart leaf, Bishop's weed
The Chameleon Plant, also known as Houttuynia cordata, is a perennial low-growing shrub notable for its vivid, multicolored leaves that emerge in spring with a striking blend of red, green, and white. The plant's name reflects its colorful appearance. During the summer, it produces white flowers with bristle-like centers. This plant is frequently used in Vietnamese and Chinese culinary dishes.
In This Article
Attributes of Chameleon plant
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 1 m
Spread
1 m
Leaf Color
Green Blue Red Variegated
Flower Size
2 cm to 3 cm
Flower Color
White Yellow
Images of Chameleon plant
Quickly Identify Chameleon plant
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Heart-shaped leaves with red, bronze, or yellow hues
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Leaves on long stems with translucent quality
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Tiny flowers on conical lime green spikes
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Distinctive white bracts around clustered flowers
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Strong fishy odor when leaves are crushed
Scientific Classification of Chameleon plant
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pepper plants, birthworts, and allies
Family
Lizard's tail
Genus
Chameleon plants
Species
Chameleon plant
Planting and Growing of Chameleon plant
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 4 days
Sunlight Requirements
Partial sun
Sunshine Duration
4-8 hours
Ideal Temperature
68-77℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic
How to Water Chameleon plant?
Houttuynia cordata, often known as the chameleon plant, requires watering that fully saturates the soil to about 5cm deep. This plant prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to ensure the water penetrates deeply. Each watering session should provide approximately 500ml of water, allowing it to reach the roots efficiently. Be mindful of ensuring proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Chameleon plant?
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What should I do if my Chameleon plant is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Chameleon plant?
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How to save an overwatered Chameleon plant?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Chameleon plant?
Houttuynia cordata thrives in partial sun to full shade. This environment supports full foliage development and maintains its vibrant color. The ideal light ensures balanced growth without risking damage from excessive light.
How much light does Houttuynia cordata need?
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Where should I place the plant for ideal lighting?
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What happens if the lighting is ideal for Houttuynia cordata?
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Chameleon plant?
Houttuynia cordata thrives in a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 68°F and 77°F. Within this temperature range, the plant will have optimal conditions for photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, supporting healthy growth and development.
What Soil is Best for Chameleon plant?
Houttuynia cordata thrives in nutrient-rich soils. Rich nutrients ensure robust growth and vibrant leaves, enabling this plant to develop its characteristic heart-shaped foliage while remaining resilient against pests. This plant requires consistently moist soil, mimicking its natural habitat of wetlands and riverbanks. Constant moisture prevents leaf wilting and enhances the plant's therapeutic possibilities, as hydrated plants often showcase better medicinal properties. While moisture is crucial, good drainage is equally important to prevent root rot. Adequately drained soil provides the plant with the ideal balance of hydration and aeration, promoting strong root development and overall plant health.
How to Fertilize Chameleon plant?
Houttuynia cordata, also known as chameleon plant, thrives with light fertilization. When using liquid fertilizers, apply a diluted solution at half the recommended strength to avoid overwhelming the plant. For slow-release fertilizers, use 1 to 2 tablespoons around the base, ensuring it's well-mixed into the soil.
How to Prune Chameleon plant?
Start your pruning process by ensuring that all your tools are clean and sharp. This helps prevent the spread of diseases and makes cleaner cuts, which heal faster. Use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears for precision. Identify and cut back overgrown stems to their base. This will promote a fuller appearance and prevent the plant from spreading too vigorously. Focus on stems that are crowding others, as thinning them can improve air circulation. Carefully inspect the plant for any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage. Use your pruners to remove these parts, cutting them off at the base. Removing these will prevent disease spread and encourage healthier growth. Prune to maintain the desired shape of your Houttuynia cordata. Cut just above a leaf node to direct future growth and enhance the plant's natural aesthetics. This kind of maintenance helps keep the plant attractive.
How to Propagate Chameleon plant plant?
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Carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections. Ensure each section has an adequate root system and some growing shoots. Replant the divisions promptly, maintaining the soil at a similar depth to the original.
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Select healthy stems and cut sections approximately 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting to facilitate root formation. Apply rooting hormone to the cut end before planting it in a suitable potting mix.
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Insert the prepared cuttings into a well-draining potting mix. Keep them in a warm, humid environment and ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged until roots develop.
How to Repot Chameleon plant plant?
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Houttuynia cordata shows it needs repotting when its roots start peeking out of the drainage holes or when growth appears stunted. A noticeable decline in vigor during the growing season often signals it's time to give the plant more room. Additionally, if the soil seems compacted or drains poorly, a repotting session could be beneficial. Repotting is best during spring when the plant naturally initiates new growth.
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Selecting the right pot for Houttuynia cordata is crucial. Opt for a pot that is approximately one size bigger than the current one to provide ample space for root expansion. It's important that the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which this plant dislikes. A wider pot encourages creeping growth, allowing the plant to spread beautifully while maintaining its health. Terracotta pots are ideal, as they help in controlling moisture and have a classic look.
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A well-suited soil mix for Houttuynia cordata should be moist yet well-draining. A combination of loamy soil mixed with a bit of sand or perlite works wonders, ensuring the plant has enough moisture yet provides sufficient drainage to avoid root rot. The soil should mimic the plant's natural habitat, supporting robust growth while preventing water stagnation. Rich organic matter can boost its nutrient intake, promoting lush foliage.
Toxicity of Chameleon plant
Is Chameleon plant toxic to humans?
The chameleon plant is devoid of any inherent toxins; on its own, it poses little risk. Yet, this plant has the ability to extract both mercury and methylmercury from contaminated soil, accumulating a considerable amount in its tissues without showing any harm to itself. By the time a person consumes the plant, it may contain sufficient levels of the toxic metal to lead to mercury poisoning. The highest concentrations are typically found in the roots and leaves, with lesser amounts in the rhizomes and aboveground stems. Mercury is extremely toxic even in trace amounts, thus making chameleon plants thriving in polluted environments a serious threat. Mercury primarily targets the nervous system. Symptoms of mercury poisoning can manifest as tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation in the fingers, toes, and around the mouth, along with progressively worsening tunnel vision, weakness, tremors, coordination difficulties, memory impairments, hearing loss, speech issues, and brain damage, particularly in infants and small children. It is crucial to remove this plant promptly if it appears in your garden, particularly if you reside in an urban area or are uncertain about the quality of your soil.
WARNING
The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.
