Pest identification
What's eating my houttuynia cordata 'chameleon'?
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on tender new shoots; honeydew deposits and slight leaf distortion
Control: Water jet; insecticidal soap spray; beneficial insects (ladybirds, lacewings) provide good natural control
Vine weevil
Signs: C-shaped larvae eat roots causing wilting and collapse, especially in containers in autumn; adult notching on leaf margins
Control: Nematode (Steinernema kraussei) drench in late summer; check roots when repotting; sticky barriers on pot rims
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged holes in young variegated leaves in spring; damage is especially obvious on the red-and-green foliage
Control: Iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick after dark; grit mulch or copper tape for container-grown plants
Keep houttuynia cordata 'chameleon' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats houttuynia cordata — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common houttuynia cordata 'chameleon' problems & fixes
- Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' watering schedule
- Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' light requirements
- Full houttuynia cordata 'chameleon' care guide
Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' pests — FAQ
What is eating my houttuynia cordata 'chameleon'?
Chameleon houttuynia shares its species' pest resistance thanks to aromatic foliage. Aphids are the most likely pest on new shoots. Vine weevil grubs can damage roots, especially in containers. Slugs target young spring growth. The colourful variegated leaves make feeding damage more visible — inspect regularly to catch problems early.
How do I get rid of aphids on houttuynia cordata 'chameleon'?
Soft colonies on tender new shoots; honeydew deposits and slight leaf distortion Water jet; insecticidal soap spray; beneficial insects (ladybirds, lacewings) provide good natural control
How do I get rid of vine weevil on houttuynia cordata 'chameleon'?
C-shaped larvae eat roots causing wilting and collapse, especially in containers in autumn; adult notching on leaf margins Nematode (Steinernema kraussei) drench in late summer; check roots when repotting; sticky barriers on pot rims
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on houttuynia cordata 'chameleon'?
Ragged holes in young variegated leaves in spring; damage is especially obvious on the red-and-green foliage Iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick after dark; grit mulch or copper tape for container-grown plants