Houttynia cordata, the chameleon plant

Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' plant

There are a number of plants that have the ability to amaze us every time we observe them, and one of them is undoubtedly the Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon', better known as chameleon plant. Its leaves are green, but also pink and yellow.

It is a beautiful plant that can be kept in a pot throughout its life (and in fact, it is something that is recommended to keep its growth under control). So, What are you waiting to meet her?

What is the chameleon plant like?

Leaf of the Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon'

Our protagonist, whose scientific name is Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon'Is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant It grows in humid places like riverbanks in China, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Korea, and Nepal. It is known as a chameleon plant since in the same plant it is common for each leaf to be of different colors, going from intense green to yellow, pink, cream or red.

Grows rapidly to a height of 50 centimeters. Its leaves are more or less triangular in shape, with a smooth margin. The flowers are grouped in small white inflorescences that are not too showy.

How do you take care of yourself?

Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' plant

If you want to have one or more specimens, here is how you should take care of it:

  • Location: outside, in semi-shade.
  • Substratum: you can use universal growing medium mixed with perlite in equal parts.
  • Irrigation: frequent, especially in summer. It has to be watered 4-5 times during the warmer months, and somewhat less the rest of the year.
  • Subscriber: During spring and summer it can be paid with a universal fertilizer or for leafy plants following the indications specified on the package.
  • Transplant: every two years, in spring.
  • Multiplication: by division of rhizomes in spring.
  • Rusticity: supports weak frosts down to -2ºC.
  • Uses: both the leaves and the fresh rhizome are edible, although their taste can be unpleasant if it is the first time they are consumed.

Did you know the chameleon plant?


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