mammillaria_elongata.json

{
  "id": "mammillaria_elongata",
  "common_name": "Ladyfinger Cactus",
  "scientific_name": "Mammillaria elongata",
  "tags": [
    "cactus",
    "succulent",
    "cylindrical",
    "yellow spines",
    "desert",
    "clustering",
    "easy care",
    "drought tolerant"
  ],
  "care": {
    "summary": "A charming clustering cactus with many finger-like cylindrical stems covered in golden-yellow spines.",
    "light": "Bright direct sunlight; needs at least 6 hours of sun daily",
    "water": "Water sparingly when soil is completely dry; every 2-4 weeks in summer, nearly dry in winter",
    "soil": "Very well-draining cactus mix with pumice and coarse sand",
    "humidity": "Low; thrives in dry air",
    "temperature_c": "15-32",
    "fertilizer": "Dilute cactus fertilizer once in spring and once in mid-summer",
    "toxicity": "Non-toxic to pets and humans",
    "common_issues": [
      "Root rot from overwatering — let soil dry completely",
      "Etiolation (thin, weak growth) from insufficient sunlight",
      "Mealybugs hiding between stems",
      "Sunburn if moved abruptly from low to high light"
    ],
    "tips": [
      "Use a very gritty, mineral-based soil mix",
      "Water only when the soil has been bone-dry for several days",
      "Place in the sunniest window available (south or west facing)",
      "Handle with thick gloves — spines are sharp and hard to see"
    ]
  }
}