Top 10 Must-Have Tropical Plants for Queensland Gardens
Schefflera arboricola Madame De Smet
Description
Schefflera arboricola 'Madame De Smet' is an attractive, compact, and variegated variety of the Dwarf Umbrella Tree. Known for its glossy, palmate leaves that are green with creamy-white margins, this plant adds a tropical touch to indoor and outdoor spaces. Its elegant foliage makes it a popular choice for homes and offices.
Flowers
Indoors, Schefflera arboricola 'Madame De Smet' rarely flowers. When it does bloom, it produces small, inconspicuous clusters of greenish-yellow flowers. Outdoors, it might flower more frequently under optimal conditions.
Foliage
The plant’s primary feature is its glossy, palmate leaves, which are divided into 7-9 leaflets. The leaves are dark green with creamy-white variegation along the margins, creating a striking contrast and a visually appealing pattern.
Fruit
If flowering occurs, it may produce small, round, orange or red berries. However, fruiting is uncommon indoors.
Form and Size
Schefflera 'Madame De Smet' has a compact and bushy growth habit, typically reaching a height of 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet) indoors. When grown outdoors in ideal conditions, it can grow taller. Its upright growth makes it suitable for floor pots and as a tall accent plant.
Growing Conditions
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Variegation is more pronounced with higher light levels. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
- Humidity: Thrives in moderate to high humidity. Regular misting or placing the plant on a humidity tray can help maintain humidity levels.
- Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F). Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Uses
Schefflera 'Madame De Smet' is perfect for:
- Indoor decoration in homes and offices
- Adding a touch of elegance and greenery to interior spaces
- Container gardening on patios and balconies in warmer climates
Maintenance
- Pruning: Prune to maintain the desired shape and remove any leggy or damaged growth. Pruning encourages bushier growth.
- Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil and provide more space for growth. Use a well-draining potting mix.
- Pests: Be vigilant for common indoor pests such as spider mites, aphids, and scale. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Notes
Schefflera arboricola 'Madame De Smet' is known for its air-purifying properties, making it a beneficial addition to indoor environments. It is generally non-toxic to pets and humans but should still be kept out of reach of curious pets and children.
Companion Plants
- Dracaena
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Pothos
- Philodendron
These plants share similar care requirements and can complement the Schefflera 'Madame De Smet' in creating a lush, attractive indoor garden.
Schefflera arboricola 'Madame De Smet'
Common Name
Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Madame De Smet
Botanical Name
Schefflera arboricola 'Madame De Smet'
Family
Araliaceae
Origin
Native to Taiwan, but this particular cultivar is bred for ornamental use.
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Product Availability
Plants & Pots come and go all year around.
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Where are our plants Grown and how do we grow them
- Plants are grown locally on the Sunshine Coast
- All outdoor plants are sun hardened and ready to grow
- Indoor plants are grown under 50% Shade and will transfer perfectly to indoor use
- Orchids are also grown under 50% Shade and are best brought indoors during flowering for show then returned back into a shaded area until the following flowering time
- we are Qualified horticulturists, greenkeeper as well as Qualified landscape Construction with over 35 years experience in the industry. We use Quality products and materials to grow all our plants.
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How to Look after your plants like we do
- When using any Garden Care products or Fertilisers we always recommend reading the label before use
- We recommend using Earthlife crushed rock mineral on all plants when planting in the ground or in Pots.
- When planting in Pots in Our garden centre we use Rocky Point potting mixes to plant all our plants
- If planting in the ground we also recommend that you use Rocky Point garden soil around your plants at the time of planting