{"product_id":"schefflera-madame-de-smet","title":"Schefflera Madame De Smet","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSchefflera ‘Madame De Smet’ (Variegated Umbrella Plant)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchefflera ‘Madame De Smet’ is a distinctive variegated foliage plant valued for its glossy, multi-toned leaves and upright growth habit. A cultivar of Schefflera arboricola, it is well suited to indoor environments as well as protected outdoor settings in warm climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe foliage consists of palmate leaf clusters arranged in an umbrella-like form. Each leaflet displays a mix of deep green, cream, and soft yellow variegation, often with irregular marbling that gives the plant a bright, decorative appearance. The variation in colour makes each plant slightly unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Madame De Smet’ is prized for its strong visual contrast and ability to brighten interior spaces. The variegated foliage provides interest without the need for flowers, making it suitable for year-round display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is relatively hardy and adaptable compared to many variegated plants, tolerating a range of indoor conditions while maintaining good foliage quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts upright, branching growth allows it to be styled as a compact bush or trained into a small indoor tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowth Habit and Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plant grows as an upright shrub with multiple stems that can be pruned to shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndoors, it typically reaches 1 to 2 metres in height, depending on pot size and conditions. Outdoors in suitable climates, it may grow larger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth rate is moderate under stable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrefers bright, indirect light to maintain strong variegation. It can tolerate medium light conditions, though colour contrast may reduce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWatering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between watering. The plant prefers moderate watering and should not be kept consistently wet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater approximately once per week, adjusting based on environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSoil\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA well-draining indoor potting mix is suitable. Good drainage is important to prevent root issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperature and Humidity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrives in temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTolerates average indoor humidity but benefits from moderate humidity levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrune as needed to maintain shape and encourage branching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and maintain their glossy appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilise lightly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Issues\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf drop may occur due to sudden changes in temperature, light, or watering conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or poor drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLoss of variegation can occur in low light conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePests such as scale or spider mites may occasionally appear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eApplications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchefflera ‘Madame De Smet’ is suitable for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndoor feature planting\u003cbr\u003eOffice and commercial interiors\u003cbr\u003eBright living spaces\u003cbr\u003eLarge containers\u003cbr\u003eTropical-style interiors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts variegated foliage makes it an effective statement plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecification and Care Chart\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSchefflera arboricola ‘Madame De Smet’\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVariegated Umbrella Plant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndoor foliage plant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 m to 2 m (indoors)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpright, branching\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight Conditions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedium to bright indirect light\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirect Sunlight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAvoid harsh direct sun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWatering Frequency\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeekly; allow topsoil to dry slightly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoil Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWell-draining indoor mix\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrainage Requirement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEssential\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18°C to 26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHumidity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFertiliser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight feeding during growing season\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaintenance Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow to moderate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eToxicity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eToxic if ingested\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ – Schefflera ‘Madame De Smet’\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need bright light?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, bright indirect light helps maintain strong variegation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should it be watered?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWater approximately once per week, allowing the top of the soil to dry slightly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it be grown indoors?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it is well suited to indoor environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy are the leaves dropping?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsually due to environmental stress such as changes in light, temperature, or watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big does it grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTypically reaches 1 to 2 metres indoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it easy to maintain?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it is considered relatively low maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Nurso","offers":[{"title":"200mm","offer_id":51628990988584,"sku":null,"price":25.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/6847\/6200\/files\/ChatGPTImageApr9_2026_06_01_43AM.png?v=1775678524","url":"https:\/\/www.thenurso.au\/products\/schefflera-madame-de-smet","provider":"The Nurso","version":"1.0","type":"link"}