What's eating my caladium miss muffet?

Caladium Miss Muffet, a dwarf variety with lime-green leaves and red spots, is targeted by spider mites indoors and aphids plus caterpillars outdoors. Its compact size means infestations can concentrate quickly. Mealybugs are also common, hiding at the base of petioles. Inspect weekly — damage shows clearly against the bright, patterned foliage.

Pale stippling and yellowing across the lime-green leaf areas; webbing visible on undersides in dry conditions. Increase humidity, wipe leaves, and spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until infestation resolves.

Cottony white masses at petiole bases; sticky honeydew and slowed growth; small plant size means impacts show fast. Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab; follow with neem oil spray. Repeat weekly for at least one month.

Soft insects on new growth; leaf curling and yellowing; sticky honeydew invites ants and sooty mould outdoors. Knock off with water; apply insecticidal soap spray. Outdoors, encourage natural aphid predators such as lacewings.