Houttuynia cordata FISH MINT (plant)

Dokudami, fish mint, Chameleon Plant, or Houttuynia cordata in Latin, is a hardy perennial herbaceous plant native to Japan, Korea, China, and South Asia. In its natural habitat, it grows in damp and shaded areas. This aromatic spreading plant typically reaches an average height of 30 cm.

The foliage consists of heart-shaped leaves, measuring between 5 and 15 cm in length. This leaf shape has earned it the nickname "love herb." Its deciduous leaves are generally green, but they can also feature shades of red, particularly along the edges. The leaves release a distinctive scent, often compared to lemon, when crushed. Their texture is smooth and slightly glossy, adding to the plant's visual appeal.

The flowers appear in small inflorescences consisting of white flowers surrounded by colored bracts. These bracts can be yellow, reddish, or green, adding decorative charm. The flowers themselves are small and inconspicuous, with cup-shaped petals. Flowering usually takes place in summer, from June to September, attracting pollinators like bees.

Chameleon plant seeds are small and fine, measuring only one millimeter in length, and are black in color.

- Uses:

Cultivated as a leaf vegetable, particularly in Vietnam where it is called giáp cá or diếp cá, this Asian coriander is used as a fresh garnish. The leaf has an unusual, hard-to-describe flavor that is slightly spicy.

In the southwestern Chinese provinces of Yunnan and Guizhou, the roots are used as a root vegetable.

It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. In Japan, an infusion of the leaves is consumed as a tonic tea. Do not use for medicinal purposes without seeking medical advice.

- Culture and Planting:

• Plant fish mint in a 2 to 3-liter pot, burying it just above the root collar, or directly in the ground.
• Ensure good drainage at the bottom of the pot with clay pebbles.
• Water copiously at the base.
• Choose a bright location without too much direct sunlight.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

It prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil that is high in organic matter. The substrate must always remain cool and damp, never dry.

- Humidity / Watering:

Dokudami loves water; it is necessary to water it every 2 days in the summer. In winter, irrigation is not needed as the plant enters a dormant phase.

- Exposure / Light:

This plant can adapt to different exposures but prefers partial sun. Light shade can be beneficial in very hot regions.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

It prefers moderate temperatures between 15°C and 25°C to thrive. It is a hardy plant that easily withstands winter temperatures of -10°C. While the aerial system will disappear in winter, the plant will regrow from its roots starting in April.

- Reproduction / Multiplication:

Chameleon plant can be multiplied either by dividing its rhizomes (by digging it up in the spring) or by sowing seeds.

- Diseases / Pests:

Forest coriander is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by aphids or mealybugs. Excessive moisture can lead to root mold problems.

- Maintenance:

A balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring to encourage vigorous growth. Prune the stems back at the end of autumn to encourage the root system to develop for the following year.