Saururaceae
Chameleon plant: Ground Cover Plant
Houttuynia cordata
Chameleon plant is an easy and fast-growing plant that performs well in everything from full sun to partial shade. It requires constantly moist soil and can even tolerate briefly flooded soil near a garden pond. Keep an eye on the underground runners, as the plant spreads aggressively.
Every 2 days
Partial shade
-29° - 35°C
60% - 95%
Categories
What is Chameleon plant?
Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata) is a easy-care plant from the Saururaceae family. Houttuynia cordata, commonly known as the chameleon plant, is a deciduous ground-covering perennial from the Saururaceae family originating in East Asia. The plant is known for its heart-shaped leaves, which are often variegated in green, yellow, red, and cream, as well as for its small white flower...
Chameleon plant grows up to 50cm, spread of 200cm, watering every 2 days, -29°C – 35°C, 60–95% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Chameleon plant tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Chameleon plant is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for Chameleon plant?
TLDR: Chameleon plant needs Partial shade, watering every 2 days, and temperatures between -29-35°C with 60-95% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Chameleon plant?
Keep the soil evenly moist to wet—the plant does not tolerate drying out. It is well-suited for the edge of a garden pond, where it can tolerate shallow standing water.
How Much Light Does Chameleon plant Need?
Thrives in everything from full sun to partial shade. In full sun, the red, yellow, and cream colors of the leaves become more intense, while in shade, the plant remains a more uniform green.
What Is the Best Soil for Chameleon plant?
Prefers a humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil, but performs well in most soil types from sand to clay and also tolerates lime-rich soil. Good drainage prevents root rot when very stagnant water is combined with cold temperatures.
What Pot Should You Use for Chameleon plant?
Choose a deep pot or a buried container without a bottom, as the plant spreads vigorously via runners. A dense, non-draining pot helps retain moisture and limit spreading.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 2 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 180 days
What Is Chameleon plant and Where Does It Come From?
Houttuynia cordata, commonly known as the chameleon plant, is a deciduous ground-covering perennial from the Saururaceae family originating in East Asia. The plant is known for its heart-shaped leaves, which are often variegated in green, yellow, red, and cream, as well as for its small white flowers with cone-shaped, lime-green spikes that appear from early to late summer. When the leaves are crushed, they emit a sharp, fish-like scent—hence the name 'fish mint'. Chameleon plant thrives in moist to wet soil and spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes, so it should be planted with caution.
How to Propagate Chameleon plant?
Division of rhizomes
- Ensure that each section has at least one visible growth point.
- Keep the soil moist until new shoots appear.
- 1 Dig up the plant
Gently lift a clump of the plant with rhizomes in the spring when new growth starts.
- 2 Divide the rhizomes
Cut the rhizomes into sections of at least 2-3 inches (5-8 cm), ensuring each part has at least one growth point (bud).
- 3 Replant immediately
Plant the sections directly into moist soil or pots at a depth of 2-3 inches (5-8 cm), as the rhizomes dry out quickly.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Chameleon plant Grow?
TLDR: Chameleon plant can reach up to 50cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
50cm
Spread
2.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Medicinal Uses
- Traditionally used for fever and cough in Asian medicine
- Used as a detoxifying and anti-inflammatory herbal tea
- Studied for antiviral and antibacterial properties
Culinary Uses
- Fresh leaves are used as a culinary herb and in salads in Vietnamese cuisine
- The roots are eaten as a vegetable in southwestern China
- Leaves and stems are brewed into an herbal tea
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Chameleon plant?
TLDR: Chameleon plant is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on plant tissue, causing irregular holes in leaves and damage to young seedlings. They are most active at night and in moist conditions, leaving characteristic silvery slime trails. These pests can quickly devastate gardens, especially during wet seasons.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Meaning & Symbolism
With its heart-shaped leaves, the chameleon plant is associated in East Asian tradition with purity and vitality, as well as the ability to thrive under difficult conditions.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - Houttuynia cordata
- Morton Arboretum - Houttuynia
- Houttuynia cordata Thunb: An Ethnopharmacological Review
- Practical Plants - Houttuynia cordata (Tsi)
- Plantiary - Chameleon (Houttuynia Cordata) Care Guide
- Kridtvejsplanter - Kamæleonblad Houttuynia cordata Chameleon
