monstera_adansonii.json

{
  "id": "monstera_adansonii",
  "common_name": "Swiss Cheese Vine",
  "scientific_name": "Monstera adansonii",
  "tags": [
    "holes in leaves",
    "trailing climbing",
    "tropical",
    "aroid",
    "fenestrated leaves",
    "vining",
    "heart-shaped",
    "houseplant",
    "fast growing",
    "lush green"
  ],
  "care": {
    "summary": "Swiss Cheese Vine (Monstera adansonii) is a fast-growing tropical aroid prized for its heart-shaped leaves with distinctive fenestrations (natural holes). Native to Central and South American rainforests where it climbs trees. Versatile as a trailing hanging plant or trained to climb a moss pole. Easy to propagate and low-maintenance.",
    "light": "Bright indirect light. Tolerates medium light but develops smaller leaves with fewer holes. Direct sun scorches leaves; deep shade stunts growth. East or north-facing window ideal. Rotate weekly for even growth when trailing.",
    "water": "Water when top 2-3 inches of soil feels dry — typically every 5-7 days in growing season, every 10-14 days in winter. Allow excess to drain completely. Overwatering causes yellow leaves and root rot. Aroids prefer slight drying between waterings.",
    "soil": "Well-draining, airy aroid mix. Blend orchid bark + perlite + peat moss (1:1:1) or use pre-made aroid soil. Slightly acidic pH (5.5-7.0). Standard potting soil holds too much water — must be amended with bark/perlite. Pot MUST have drainage holes.",
    "humidity": "High humidity preferred (60-80%). Native to rainforest understory. Use humidifier, pebble tray, or group with other plants. Tolerates average household humidity (40-50%) but grows faster with higher humidity. Brown crispy leaf edges indicate humidity too low.",
    "temperature_c": {
      "min": 15,
      "ideal_min": 18,
      "ideal_max": 27,
      "max": 32
    },
    "fertilizer": "Moderate feeder. Apply balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half-strength every 2-3 weeks during growing season (April-September). Pause feeding in winter. Over-fertilizing causes salt buildup — flush soil with water quarterly.",
    "toxicity": "Mildly toxic to humans and pets (cats/dogs). All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals which cause mouth/throat irritation, drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting if ingested. Keep away from curious pets and children. Wear gloves when pruning — sap can irritate skin.",
    "common_issues": [
      "Yellowing leaves (often with mushy stems) - overwatering; allow soil to dry more between waterings, check roots for rot",
      "Brown crispy leaf edges - low humidity or underwatering; increase humidity, water when top 2-3 inches is dry",
      "Leaves not developing holes (fenestrations) - insufficient light or immature plant; move to brighter indirect light",
      "Small new leaves - insufficient light or nutrients; fertilize regularly and brighten location",
      "Spider mites (fine webbing under leaves) - dry air; rinse leaves, increase humidity, apply insecticidal soap",
      "Thrips (silver streaks on leaves) - treat with spinosad or predatory mites; isolate affected plant",
      "Root rot (black mushy roots, foul smell) - overwatering or soil too dense; repot in fresh aroid mix, trim rot"
    ],
    "tips": [
      "Train on a moss pole or trellis for larger leaves with more fenestrations — climbing triggers mature leaf form",
      "Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage branching and fuller trailing growth",
      "Propagate easily from stem cuttings with at least 1 node and 1 leaf — root in water (changes weekly) or moist sphagnum moss",
      "Clean leaves monthly with damp cloth to maximize photosynthesis and inspect for pests",
      "Repot every 1-2 years in spring, going up 1 pot size — roots circling the pot signal it's time",
      "Cuttings root in water in 2-3 weeks; transfer to soil when roots are 2-3 inches long",
      "Companion plant with other aroids (Philodendron, Pothos) — they share similar light, water, humidity needs"
    ]
  }
}