Caladium ‘Miss Muffet’ is a compact fancy-leaf caladium with lime-green, heart-shaped leaves sprinkled with rosy-pink freckles and soft red veins. Its smaller size and cheerful markings make it one of the most playful varieties, perfect for tabletops, windowsills, or adding a splash of colour to shaded summer planters outdoors.
Scientific Name
Caladium bicolor ‘Miss Muffet’ (two-coloured keladi plant, cultivar: Miss Muffet)
Reclassification or Naming History
Like most ornamental caladiums, ‘Miss Muffet’ is now classified as a cultivar of Caladium bicolor. The genus name comes from the Malay keladi, meaning taro.
Common Name(s)
Elephant Ear, Heart of Jesus, Angel Wings, Dwarf Caladium, Freckled Caladium
Origin
Cultivated variety derived from species native to the Amazon Basin in South America, especially Brazil.
Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light indoors. A little soft morning or evening sun in autumn and winter is fine, but avoid strong midday rays which may scorch its delicate leaves. Outdoors, plant in a shaded or part-shaded spot.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist in the growing season, watering when the top third of the soil has dried. Reduce watering in autumn and winter when growth slows or dormancy occurs. Avoid waterlogging to protect the tubers.
Humidity
Enjoys high humidity. Mist regularly, set on a pebble tray, or place near a humidifier to keep the foliage lush and prevent crispy edges.
Soil
Plant in a moisture-retentive but free-draining mix, ideally rich in organic matter. Repot every 2–3 years in spring if required.
Food
Feed with a balanced fertiliser every 4 waters during the growing season, reducing to every 6 in autumn and winter.
Temperature
Best kept between 18–30°C. Growth slows below 15°C and the plant may enter dormancy in cooler conditions. Avoid temperatures below 10°C.
Pet-safe
No – Caladium ‘Miss Muffet’ is toxic if ingested by pets or humans.
Sprouts Top Tips
Thanks to its dwarf habit, ‘Miss Muffet’ is perfect for small spaces and terrariums. Like all caladiums, it will naturally die back in autumn and winter – simply store the tubers in a dry, dark place and replant in spring for another season of freckled foliage.
