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Fish mint

Houttuynia cordata

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Fish mint · Houttuynia cordata

Heart-shaped leaves with a distinctive pungent taste; loves moisture and spreads fast.

Care and placement

Likes moist to wet soil, part shade (sun if well watered) and rich loamy soil; spreads aggressively by rhizomes — grow in a pot or a contained bed.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 30 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 60 cm

Things to consider

Fish mint is used as a vegetable and spice with a distinctive pungent taste; eat only washed leaves of the correct species. It is invasive: any rhizome piece regrows, so never discard it into the wild.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in a pot or tub (or a bed with a deep root barrier) since it spreads aggressively; rich loamy soil that stays moist, even slightly submerged.

  2. Light

    Part shade or partial sun; tolerates full sun with enough moisture.

  3. Watering

    Likes moist to wet soil; drought is the only thing that troubles it; prolonged overwatering can rot roots.

  4. Feeding

    Rich soil is enough; no heavy feeding needed. (The sources checked give no specific schedule.)

  5. Pruning

    Trim overgrown or damaged stems in spring; regular pruning keeps it in check.

  6. Propagation

    Very easy: stick a stem section in moist soil, or divide in spring or autumn for instant plants. To remove it, dig out every rhizome fragment.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Some sources say it has no pests or diseases; others list spider mites, aphids, whiteflies and root rot if overwatered. The main issue is invasiveness.

  8. For a bigger harvest

    For plenty of leaves: constantly moist soil, light shade and regular picking to branch; a pot keeps it tidy. Heart-shaped leaves may colour by cultivar.