Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata)

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Sunlight Bright indirect light or partial shade; avoid intense midday direct sun which can scorch foliage

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Watering Keep soil consistently moist; tolerate shallow standing water for short periods; avoid allowing the substrate to dry out completely

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Temperature Hardy to light frost; thrives in temperate to warm conditions; protect from temperatures below 0°C for extended periods

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Leaf: Heart-shaped, variegated green, red, and cream foliage; emits a distinct fishy aroma when crushed
Flower: Tiny white bracts arranged in terminal spikes; lacks true petals
Stem: Creeping, aggressive rhizomes that spread rapidly to colonize moist areas

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Watering

Maintain consistently moist soil; can grow in 2–3 cm of shallow standing water

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of variegation

Banana peel steeped tea：Steep 2–3 banana peels in 1 liter of water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 before applying as a root drench to avoid nutrient burn

Pruning

Trim back aggressive rhizomes regularly to control spread and prevent invasiveness
Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance
Divide overcrowded clumps in early spring to propagate and reduce competition

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation, and lethargy

Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; skin irritation in sensitive individuals

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Culture: Used in traditional Asian herbal medicine for mild inflammatory conditions; considered invasive in some North American regions

Usage: Ornamental groundcover for moist areas; young leaves used in small quantities in Southeast Asian cuisine