Skip to main content
ePlant

Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata)

Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata) is a vibrant, fast-growing groundcover with heart-shaped leaves that change color. It thrives in moist conditions and can be invasive

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Partial Shade to Full Sun

Watering

Consistent Moisture

Soil

Loamy, Clay, Sandy, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

Temperature

Average Room Temperature

Habitat

Aquatic

Fertilizer

Low Feed

Care Requirements

Light

Partial Shade to Full Sun

Thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun if kept consistently moist. Too much direct sun can scorch leaves.

Watering

Consistent Moisture

Prefers consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Soil

Loamy, Clay, Sandy, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

Temperature

Average Room Temperature

Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F). Protect from frost and extreme heat.

Habitat

Aquatic

Fertilizer

Low Feed

Feed sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Place Type

Garden, Pot

Plant Environment

Aquatic

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Height

0.2-0.4 m

Spread

0.5-1 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Dormancy

Semi-evergreen to Evergreen

Leaf Color

Green, White, Red, Yellow, Pink

Leaf Type

Simple

Flower Size

Small

Optimal Sunlight Lux

60000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Sep
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths108
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · DecPeak fruit · Feb
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths108
Synonyms
Houttuynia emeiensis Z.Y.Zhu & S.L.Zhang
Houttuynia foetida G.Don
Polypara cochinchinensis Lour.
Polypara cordata (Thunb.) H.Buek
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderPiperales
  • familySaururaceae
  • genusHouttuynia
  • speciesHouttuynia cordata
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Yes

Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation upon contact or minor gastrointestinal upset if large quantities are ingested.

Additional Care Tips

Chameleon Plant thrives in consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during warmer months and when grown in containers. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings, but never let the plant completely dry out. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.

Prune to maintain desired shape and size, and to encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of stems regularly throughout the growing season. Remove any leggy or overgrown shoots. Spent flowers can also be trimmed to improve aesthetics. Pruning in early spring is beneficial.

Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves and insert the cut end into moist potting mix or water. Roots will form quickly. Once established, transplant the new plants to their desired location.

Repot annually or biannually, preferably in spring. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes. This helps to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth.

FAQs

How do I control the spread of Chameleon Plant?

Chameleon Plant spreads rapidly via rhizomes. To control its spread, plant it in containers with good drainage or in areas with physical barriers like edging or walls. Regular pruning of runners can also help.

What are the light requirements for Houttuynia cordata?

Chameleon Plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates. In hot, sunny locations, it benefits from some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.

What type of soil does Chameleon Plant need?

It thrives in moist to wet, well-draining soil. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils, as long as moisture is consistently present.

Is Houttuynia cordata invasive?

Yes, in many regions, Houttuynia cordata can be highly invasive due to its aggressive rhizomatous growth. It is important to be aware of its potential to spread into natural areas or outcompete other plants.

How often should I water Chameleon Plant?

Chameleon Plant prefers consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to maintain soil moisture. It can even tolerate shallow standing water, making it suitable for water garden edges.