Growing Guide: Fish Mint

Common Names: 
Giâp Cá, Dokudami, Zhe'ergen, Fish Mint, Fish Leaf, Fish Wort, Rainbow Plant, Heart Leaf, Chinese Lizard Tail, Chameleon Plant

Traditional Uses:
Leaves used externally for treatment of wounds and certain snakebites. Diuretic root used as laxative. Rhizomes associated with secretion of active bacillus, beneficial for female health. 

Native Region:
Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Korea, Japan

Plant Type:
Perennial Deciduous Herb

Harvest Season:
Year-round

Mature Size:
Up to 2 ft.

Soil & Moisture:
Rich, well-draining soil. The Chameleon Plant is not drought-tolerant.
It can be grown successfully as a water plant!

Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
Takes on a reddish hue if grown in shade, and grows greener with longer sun exposure. 

Self-Fertile: 
Yes

Growth Rate: 
Fast

Zone Hardiness: 
Outdoors 4-11 as an annual, 9-11 as a perennial; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ 

Propagation: 
Grown from cuttings, division, or ground-layer and capable of harvesting now/this growing season.