How fast does Houttuynia cordata spread?

It spreads quite rapidly via rhizomes, making it an effective groundcover but also potentially invasive in some garden settings.

What is the smell of Houttuynia cordata?

The leaves have a strong, unique aroma often described as fishy or pungent.

Can I eat the leaves?

Yes, the leaves are edible and used as a herb in some cuisines, though the flavor is quite strong.

Does it attract pollinators?

While it can be a nectar source, it's not primarily known as a major pollinator attractor compared to other flowering plants.

What kind of soil does it prefer?

It thrives in moist to wet soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, preferring rich, organic matter.

Plant guide

Tricolor Chameleon Plant.

Houttuynia cordata

Pronounced hyoo-tin-ee-uh kor-dah-tuh

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

The Tricolor Chameleon Plant is a vibrant, low-growing perennial known for its colorful, heart-shaped leaves and unique, spicy-scented flowers. It's a fantastic ground cover that adds a splash of color and texture to shady spots.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: medium
Water: Every 2 to 4 days
Mature size: 6 to 12 inches tall, spreading indefinitely
Growth rate: fast
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist, as this plant loves humidity and dislikes drying out. It thrives in partial shade and can spread quite rapidly, so be prepared to manage its growth if needed.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer once during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune to maintain shape and control spread; remove any leggy growth.
Repotting: Repot when root-bound, typically every 1 to 2 years.
Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Temperature: 10 to 27°C
Humidity: 50 to 80%
Drought tolerance: low
Lifespan: Perennial
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes.
Plant dries out very quickly after watering.
Water sits on top of the soil instead of soaking in.
Stunted growth or reduced vigor.

Safety

People: Generally considered safe for consumption in moderation, but some individuals may experience skin sensitivity or gastrointestinal upset.
Pets: May cause mild stomach upset if ingested by pets.
Children: Small children may be more susceptible to skin irritation from contact with the sap.
Contact allergens: Sap can cause skin irritation or photosensitivity in some individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: While edible, it has a strong flavor that isn't universally enjoyed and can cause skin sensitivity in some people.

How to identify it

Heart-shaped leaves with cream, pink, and green variegation
Spicy, citrus-like fragrance when crushed
Small, white, star-shaped flowers
Spreading, rhizomatous growth habit

Height: 0.15 to 0.3m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.9m
Leaves: green, cream, pink, variegated, deciduous
Flowers: white, 1 to 2cm

Common problems

Root rot — Can occur in overly wet or poorly draining soil, leading to yellowing leaves and stem collapse.
Aphids — Small, soft-bodied insects that can cluster on new growth, weakening the plant and spreading disease.
Slugs and snails — These mollusks can chew holes in the leaves, especially in moist conditions.

Growing it

Propagation: division, cuttings
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: In colder climates, the foliage will die back in winter. Mulch the crown to protect it from extreme cold. In milder climates, it may remain semi-evergreen. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist, even in winter, if possible.
In containers: It can be grown in containers, but its vigorous spreading habit means it will need frequent division or a very large pot to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to manage its spread.

Division

In spring or fall, carefully dig up the plant or a section of its rhizomes.
Gently separate the rhizomes into smaller pieces, ensuring each piece has some roots and shoots.
Replant the divisions immediately into prepared soil, watering well.

Stem Cuttings

Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems in late spring or early summer.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Insert the cuttings into moist potting mix or water.
Keep them in a warm, bright location with indirect light until roots form.
Transplant rooted cuttings into pots or the garden.

Plant it where its vigorous spreading can be contained or appreciated, like a moist border or a bog garden, alongside other shade-loving, moisture-loving plants.

Grows well with

Ferns — Ferns appreciate similar moist, shady conditions and can help fill out the understory where Houttuynia grows.
Hostas — Hostas provide lush foliage and thrive in the same shady, moist environments, creating a beautiful textural contrast.
Ligularia — Ligularias also love wet feet and shade, making them natural companions for a bog garden setting.
Irises — Certain iris varieties, especially those that prefer moist soil, can complement Houttuynia's spread.

Keep away from

Full Sun — Prolonged exposure to direct, hot sun can scorch the leaves and stress the plant.
Drought — This plant requires consistently moist soil and will not tolerate dry conditions.
Aggressive Spreading Neighbors — Its vigorous rhizomatous growth can be outcompeted by even more aggressive plants if not given space.

Similar species

Sweet Woodruff — Both are low-growing groundcovers for shady, moist areas, though Sweet Woodruff has a different scent and finer texture.
Creeping Jenny — Both are vigorous, spreading groundcovers for damp conditions, but Creeping Jenny has rounder leaves and bright chartreuse or green foliage.

Science

Family: Saururaceae
Genus: Houttuynia
Order: Piperales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Southeast Asia and the Himalayan region.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

It typically grows in damp, shady areas like stream banks, marshes, and wet forests, spreading via underground rhizomes.

Value to wildlife: larval host plant, nectar source
Uses: Ornamental, Culinary herb, Medicinal

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 8/9
Nutrients: 7/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How fast does Houttuynia cordata spread?: It spreads quite rapidly via rhizomes, making it an effective groundcover but also potentially invasive in some garden settings.
What is the smell of Houttuynia cordata?: The leaves have a strong, unique aroma often described as fishy or pungent.
Can I eat the leaves?: Yes, the leaves are edible and used as a herb in some cuisines, though the flavor is quite strong.
Does it attract pollinators?: While it can be a nectar source, it's not primarily known as a major pollinator attractor compared to other flowering plants.
What kind of soil does it prefer?: It thrives in moist to wet soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, preferring rich, organic matter.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Houttuynia' honors Dutch physician and botanist Pieter van der Hout. The species name 'cordata' comes from Latin, meaning 'heart-shaped', referring to the shape of its leaves.

Good to know

It's native to Southeast Asia and the Himalayan region.
It's a vigorous groundcover that spreads readily.
It's often used in traditional Asian medicine.
The leaves can be used to wrap food for steaming.

Is your tricolor chameleon plant looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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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.