Image: AI generated
Fish Mint Plant Care
Houttuynia cordata Thunb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's heart-shaped variegated leaves make it easily recognizable in any garden. Originating from Asia, Houttuynia cordata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and its ability to thrive in wet conditions.
Every 3–7 days
Part shade to full shade
60–75°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Fish Mint?
Water Fish Mint every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it part shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Fish Mint Native To?
What Is the Fish Mint?
Fish Mint (Houttuynia cordata) belongs to the Saururaceae family within the Houttuynia genus. Fish Mint is native to Southeast Asia. Fish Mint is also known as Chameleon Plant, Houttuynia, Bishop's Weed.
Fish Mint displays a spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Fish Mint produces small, white to pink flowers in summer.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fish Mint?
Houttuynia cordata requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fish Mint Need?
Fish Mint thrives in part shade to full shade. Avoid placing Fish Mint in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part shade to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fish Mint Prefer?
Houttuynia cordata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Fish Mint prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fish Mint?
Moist, fertile soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Fish Mint to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fish Mint?
Feed Fish Mint every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Fish Mint?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Fish Mint?
Fish Mint can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Fish Mint Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fish Mint, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Fish Mint?
Fish Mint is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Fish Mint Need?
Fish Mint grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Fish Mint is native to Southeast Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Fish Mint is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Houttuynia genus — compare its care with other Houttuynia species on PlantoScan.
Houttuynia is part of the Saururaceae plant family — browse all Saururaceae genera and species.
Fish Mint copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Houttuynia cordata Thunb., family Saururaceae (first published in Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Nya Handl. 4: 149 (1783)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fish Mint, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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