Chameleon plant

Chameleon plant Care

Houttuynia cordata

What is the plant

This common plant has a variety of practical uses all over Asia. It is becoming increasingly popular as an exciting addition to any garden as an excellent form of ground cover.

Chameleon Plants are flower species of plant native to Southeast Asia, also known as Fish Mint, Fish Leaf, Rainbow plant, Heart Leaf, and Chinese Lizard Tail. Fish mint has various uses, including culinary use, where it is often used as a leafy vegetable or garnish.

To identify this perennial, look first at its heart-shaped leaves with a spike of greenish-yellow flowers. Chinese Lizard Tail can reach up to about 12in(30cm) and spread up to around 3ft(91cm).

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

-20°C - 5°C

Hardiness zone

5a - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Even watering once or twice weekly is ideal for this plant.
Pruning
Prune as needed to keep this plant from growing too far over the edges of its pot. When grown outdoors in the ground, this plant can spread so quickly that the pruning may not suffice.
Fertilizer
Fertilize once per year during the growing season using organic material.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
A full day's worth of sunlight in partial shade is ideal for our new green friend.
Soil
A well-draining soil rich in organic matter is sufficient for our Heart Leaf. A soil container with a healthy mix of sand, clay, and organic matter is recommended.
Propagation
Chameleon plants are propagated either by division or seed.
These plants are often considered invasive as every cutting from it can produce the rhizomes needed to produce another one.

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Temperature
Heart Leaf can tolerate pretty low temperatures, as low as -20° to -10°F (-29° to -23°C).
Container
A pot measuring at least 6in(15cm) is ideal for starting your rainbow plant.
Fun fact
Fish Leaf gets this nickname from the fishy taste associated with eating it.