Yes, it is highly invasive in many garden settings due to its vigorous rhizomatous growth.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, growing it in a container is the best way to keep it from taking over your garden.

Plant guide

Chameleon plant.

Houttuynia cordata

Pronounced how-TOO-nee-uh kor-DAY-tuh

Also known as Chameleon, Chameleon Flower, Chameleon Plant, Chameleon-flower, Chameleon-plant, Chinese Lizard Tail, Fish mint, Fish-plant

This hardy perennial is known for its colorful, heart shaped foliage that often displays shades of green, yellow, and red. It spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes and thrives in moist, boggy conditions. You will find it makes an excellent ground cover, though it can become quite invasive in garden beds.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 1 to 3 days
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to mid summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist as this plant loves water and can even grow in shallow standing water. Watch for wilting if the soil dries out, and be prepared to contain its spread with barriers. It is very resilient and rarely bothered by pests or diseases.

Watering: Keep the soil constantly damp to mimic its natural boggy habitat.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back foliage throughout the season to control its aggressive spread.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root bound or outgrows its container.
Soil: Moist, rich, well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -20 to 35°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, long lived via rhizomes
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Stunted growth
Soil drying out too quickly

Safety

People: It is generally considered non toxic to humans when consumed in moderate amounts.
Pets: This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The plant is not considered dangerous to children, but it is best to supervise them to prevent ingestion of garden plants.
Contact allergens: Some individuals may experience skin irritation upon contact with the sap.
Airborne allergens: There is no significant evidence of it being a common airborne allergen.
Edibility: While used in some Asian cuisines, it is often considered an acquired taste due to its strong fishy aroma and flavor.

How to identify it

Heart shaped leaves
Variegated foliage with red and yellow
Spreads via underground rhizomes
Small white flowers with bracts
Distinctive citrus scent when crushed

Height: 0.15 to 0.5m
Spread: 0.3 to 1m
Leaves: green, red, yellow, cream, deciduous
Flowers: white, 1 to 3cm

Problems to watch for

Invasiveness — The plant spreads aggressively through underground rhizomes and can become difficult to remove.

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: The foliage will die back completely in winter. Simply clear away the dead stems once they turn brown to tidy the area.
In containers: It is excellent for containers, which is strongly recommended to control its spread.

Division

1. Dig up a section of the plant in spring.
2. Separate the rhizomes into smaller pieces.
3. Replant the pieces in moist soil.

Always plant this in a contained area or a pot to prevent it from outcompeting your other garden plants.

Grows well with

Hostas — They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Ferns — They provide a nice textural contrast in damp, shaded areas.

Similar species

Mint — Both are aggressive spreaders that require containment.

Science

Family: Saururaceae
Genus: Houttuynia
Order: Piperales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: East and Southeast Asia
Conservation: It is not of conservation concern and is considered invasive in many regions outside its native range.

It naturally inhabits moist, shaded areas near streams and wetlands where it forms dense colonies.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: groundcover, bog garden plant, culinary herb, medicinal plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Moisture: 8/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it invasive?: Yes, it is highly invasive in many garden settings due to its vigorous rhizomatous growth.
Can I grow it in a pot?: Yes, growing it in a container is the best way to keep it from taking over your garden.

Where the name comes from

The genus name honors Dutch botanist Martin Houttuyn, while the species name cordata refers to the heart shaped leaves.

Good to know

The leaves emit a distinct fishy scent when crushed.
It thrives in wet, marshy soil where other plants might struggle.
The variegated cultivars are highly prized for brightening up shady corners.
It is a staple in traditional medicine across parts of East Asia.

Also in

Deer-resistant plants

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.