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Caladium Miss Muffet is a delightful and compact caladium variety, prized for its vibrant, speckled foliage and manageable size. A member of the Araceae family, caladiums are native to the tropical forests of South America, particularly Brazil, where they grow as shade-loving understory plants.
Miss Muffet is especially distinctive for its chartreuse-green to pale lime leaves, liberally splashed with deep red or burgundy freckles across the surface. Prominent pink veins radiate through the centre of each leaf, adding contrast and depth to the cheerful spotting. The heart-shaped leaves typically reach 1520 cm long, and the plant itself usually grows no more than 3040 cm tall, making it one of the more petite caladium cultivars.
This charming foliage plant is particularly suited to tabletops, shaded patios, and mixed indoor displays, where its spotted leaves add a playful yet elegant tropical accent. Its compact growth habit and unique colouring have made it a popular choice among collectors and home gardeners alike.
Thrives in bright, indirect light. Outdoors, grow in dappled or partial shade. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch delicate foliage, though gentle morning light is beneficial.
Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season (spring to autumn). Water when the top layer of soil feels slightly dry, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. In winter dormancy, when the leaves die back, reduce watering almost entirely until new growth appears.
Temperature: Best in warm conditions, 1826C. Avoid temperatures below 15C, as cold can trigger early dormancy.
Humidity: High humidity is essential. Mist leaves regularly or place the plant near a humidifier to maintain lush, healthy foliage.
Use a rich, well-draining potting mix. A peat-free compost blended with perlite and organic matter works well. Plant tubers shallowly, just beneath the soil surface, in spring. Repot annually when bringing out of dormancy.
Feed every 23 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Stop feeding once the plant begins to enter dormancy.
Growth: Produces a compact clump of spotted, heart-shaped leaves from underground tubers.
Dormancy: In late autumn, foliage naturally dies back. Store tubers in their pot, kept almost dry, or lift them and store in a cool, dry place until spring.
Remove yellowing or fading leaves at the base to encourage new growth. Do not cut the plant back prematurely as the tubers need to reabsorb nutrients from the dying leaves.
Crisp edges: Often due to low humidity or insufficient water.
Yellow leaves: Typically caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
Pests: Can occasionally attract spider mites, aphids, or thrips; check regularly.
Caladiums are renowned for their ornamental foliage, grown for centuries as decorative plants in tropical gardens. Miss Muffet stands out as a compact, playful cultivar, with freckles and blush veins giving each leaf a one-of-a-kind appearance. Its manageable size makes it perfect for smaller spaces while still delivering a bold tropical impact.
Quick Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect; partial shade outdoors
Water: Keep evenly moist in growth season; reduce in dormancy
Temperature: 1826C; avoid below 15C
Humidity: High; mist regularly
Soil: Rich, free-draining mix
Feed: Every 23 weeks in spring/summer
Growth: Compact, 3040 cm tall; lime-green leaves with burgundy freckles and pink veins