Schefflera arboricola Madame De Smet - Variegated umbrella tree

The Schefflera arboricola 'Madame De Smet' is a variegated variety of the umbrella tree, prized for its elegance and brightness. This indoor plant features glossy, palmate leaves blending shades of green and cream, adding a refined exotic touch to your décor. Low-maintenance, it thrives in a bright environment without direct sunlight, with moderate watering. Perfect for the living room or office, it complements contemporary or Japanese-inspired interiors.

The Schefflera arboricola belongs to the Araliaceae family. It is now classified under the botanical synonym Heptapleurum arboricola. The Schefflera genus includes approximately 900 tropical plant species, primarily native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Originating from Taiwan and southern China, this wild species is a popular houseplant. 'Madame de Smet' is a variegated form of this species. It is a graceful bush with an upright yet bushy habit. Indoors, depending on growing conditions and pot size, this variety reaches a height of 1.50 m to 2 m, with a spread of about 1 m. Its growth is moderately fast. The leaves are compound, with 7 to 9 ovate, glossy leaflets, randomly maculated with green and creamy yellow. The leaflets measure between 9 and 15 cm long and 4 to 8 cm wide. Indoor flowering is rare, but when it occurs, it produces small yellowish flowers clustered in umbels.
Indoors, the Schefflera 'Madame de Smet' prefers bright light without direct sun, though it tolerates moderate light. Moderate ambient humidity suits it, though it enjoys occasional misting. The ideal temperature ranges between 15 and 22°C. Schefflera arboricola contains toxic compounds if ingested, including calcium oxalate crystals.

Place the Schefflera 'Madame de Smet' in your living room if it's bright or in your office if well-lit. Graceful, it looks stunning in a large designer pot. You can pair this tall plant with a Ficus elastica 'Tineke', with its variegated green and cream leaves, for a harmonious display.