Reptiles can be found in different environments all over the world meaning that the conditions required for them to thrive will vary wildly from species to species. The four main points to consider when setting up a reptiles enclosure are humidity, heating, lighting and husbandry (including decor).
Many people in the UK find humidity to be one of the hardest of these to control as we can have humid rooms limiting how low the humidity inside of the enclosure can go or more often we have well-ventilated enclosures that lose humidity way too quickly.
We constantly hear this from gecko, frog and chameleon keepers and thought that a blog including 5 suggestions to keep the humidity up might be helpful. Please bear in mind that not all of these will be suitable for your pet, if you aren’t sure which would be the best method please contact us using the contact details at the bottom of this blog.
Keeping the right level of humidity in your terrarium is crucial for the health and growth of your plants. However, maintaining consistent moisture can be tricky depending on the type of terrarium you have. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various techniques to help you achieve and sustain elevated humidity in both open and closed terrariums.
Understanding Humidity and Its Role in Terrariums
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air It is measured as relative humidity – the percentage of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature.
Warm air can hold more moisture than cool air. So humidity levels tend to be higher in warm, tropical environments
Many exotic terrarium plants like ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and tropical mosses naturally thrive in warm, humid conditions, similar to their native tropical habitats. Replicating these steamy conditions in your terrarium is key to their health.
On the other hand, low humidity causes plants to dry out, wilt, and decline. Insufficient moisture stunts growth and causes browning leaf tips.
High humidity also benefits the overall ecosystem within a closed terrarium by supporting microfauna life and encouraging moss growth on hardscapes.
Techniques to Boost Humidity in a Closed Terrarium
Closed terrariums are completely sealed environments, usually with a glass top. This containment allows humidity to readily accumulate. However, levels can fluctuate based on conditions and may need a boost.
Use a Moisture-Retentive Substrate
A substrate with excellent water-holding capacity will act as a humidity reservoir. Mixes containing sphagnum moss, coco coir, or vermiculite work great. A layered drainage layer of gravel, LECA, or activated charcoal is also important for proper drainage and preventing root rot.
Increase the Plant Load
More plants mean more transpiration and evaporation from leaves, naturally elevating humidity. Fill your terrarium with as many plants as possible, especially epiphytes that cling to hardscapes.
Add Water Features
A small water feature or fountain introduces open water into the ecosystem which actively evaporates, humidifying the enclosed airspace. Just avoid direct contact of plants with standing water, which can cause rotting.
Use a Humidifier or Mister
Humidifiers or automated misting systems are an artificial way to generate moisture from an external reservoir on a preset schedule. They work well for large planted terrariums or paludariums.
Raise the Temperature
Warmer air holds more water vapor. Heating your terrarium a few degrees higher will drive up humidity. But avoid overheating, which can cook plants.
Partially Seal an Open Terrarium
Adding a sheet of glass or plastic that partially covers an open terrarium helps retain some humidity while still allowing ventilation.
Maintaining High Humidity in Open Terrariums
Open terrariums allow more airflow, making stable humidity harder to maintain. Use these tips to keep moisture levels elevated:
Choose a Water-Retentive Substrate
A mix with sphagnum moss, coco coir, vermiculite, or orchid bark will hold water like a sponge and slowly release it into the air. Include activated charcoal to inhibit mold growth.
Mist Frequently
Regular misting replaces evaporated moisture. Use distilled or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup. Misting daily or every other day is usually sufficient.
Add a Pebble Tray
A pebble tray filled with water beneath the open terrarium container will passively evaporate and humidify the surrounding airspace.
Use a Humidity Dome
A temporary glass or plastic dome over your plants creates a microclimate with higher humidity, especially during initial setup. Remove it periodically for ventilation.
Group Plants Together
Clustering plants creates areas of higher relative humidity compared to solitary plants. But don’t mix plants with drastically different moisture needs.
Partially Seal the Terrarium
Adding a sheet of glass or plastic that covers 50-75% of an open terrarium top can help retain humidity while allowing some airflow.
Use a Room Humidifier
A small humidifier near your open terrarium can make a noticeable difference in very dry indoor environments. But avoid directly misting plants.
Choose Moisture-Loving Plants
Select plants adapted to humid, tropical environments like ferns, jewel orchids, pilea, and tropical mosses. Avoid cacti and succulents.
Troubleshooting: Signs of Improper Humidity
Symptoms of Low Humidity
- Wilting, drooping, or curling leaves
- Brown, dry leaf tips and edges
- Stunted or stunted growth
- Low moss growth and survival rate
Symptoms of Excessive Humidity
- Mold or fungal growth on leaves or substrate
- Rotting stems and leaves
- Yellowing or dropping leaves
- Excessive condensation on glass
Terrarium Humidity Tips and Tricks
- Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and adjust your approach accordingly.
- Warm white or full spectrum grow lights can heat a terrarium and elevate humidity.
- Distilled, filtered, or rain water is best for misting to avoid mineral deposits.
- Avoid using a regular houseplant potting mix in terrariums. Make a customized aerated mix.
- In dry conditions, terrariums may need misting daily. In humid climates, misting weekly may suffice.
- When in doubt, err on the side of a little too much humidity rather than too little for most tropical plants.
- Ensure the terrarium container is cleaned regularly to discourage algae and mold growth.
Optimizing Humidity is a Balancing Act
With some trial and error, you’ll be able to strike the right balance of moisture to keep your terrarium thriving. Pay close attention to visual cues from plants and utilize tools like hygrometers. Adapt your approach as needed based on seasonal changes indoors. With the right techniques, you’ll be able to recreate a miniature rainforest paradise.
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Including a water bowl on the warm end
Including a water bowl isn’t always the best option if your pet can’t swim very well but they are a brilliant way to increase humidity and make sure there is always drinking water within the enclosure.
If it is placed on the warm end a steady stream of water should be evaporating from the surface, increasing the humidity in the enclosure.
This works best in enclosures 2ft or shorter and will be especially effective if the bowl is near the basking section of the enclosure. Browse our range of water bowls to find the right one for your enclosure.
Spraying the enclosure
The most common method of increasing humidity in the enclosure is to spray the enclosure. For many species requiring additional humidity, this will also be a great way to provide drinking water throughout the day.
Spraying the enclosure is an especially effective method when paired with absorbent beddings and decorations as detailed in the section below. When spraying the enclosure we expect the humidity to rise to 90-100% during and shortly after the spray, it will then drop rapidly or slowly depending on how much ventilation there is, how humid the room is and how much water has been absorbed within the enclosure.
If you have a species that needs super high humidity and you aren’t able to spray throughout the day an automatic sprayer or misting system would be perfect. We would favour the units that have reservoirs outside of the enclosure and use adjustable nozzles within the enclosure.
The finer the mist the more humidity you will get but with a long enough spray you can expect a spike to 90%+. Of the misters currently on the market, we would recommend the MistKing misting systems for larger collections and the ExoTerra Monsoon range for smaller collections. We have a range of misters to suit different needs.
Ask ReptiFiles: Is covering terrarium mesh a good way to boost humidity?
FAQ
How do I keep the humidity up in my terrarium?
The most common way to add moving water would be to include a waterfall on the cool end of a tall enclosure. Having water cascade down the decoration and splash should release a fair amount of humidity. If the waterfall is placed in a warm spot you should also see some evaporation which will also increase the humidity.
How to keep an enclosure humid?
- Large water dish. Most species require a water dish that at the very least they can fit into, although one they can swim in is better. …
- Decrease ventilation. All animals need fresh air. …
- Regular Misting. …
- Proper Substrate.
How do you keep condensation off a terrarium?
- Improve Ventilation. Proper ventilation is the most effective way to prevent excess condensation. …
- Monitor and Regulate Humidity. …
- Heat Regulation. …
- Use an Anti-Fog Spray (Not recommended) …
- Adjust Lighting. …
- Wipe Glass Regularly (Last Resort)
How do I keep my terrarium dry?
- Improve Ventilation: – Open the Lid: If your terrarium has a lid, consider leaving it slightly open for a few hours each day to allow moisture to escape. – Add Vents: If possible, create small vents in the terrarium to enhance airflow.
- Control Humidity: – Reduce Watering: Overwatering can lead to excess humidity.
How to increase humidity in a terrarium?
Installing a Terrarium Humidifier: Another option is to install a terrarium humidifier. This device releases a fine mist into the air, helping to increase the humidity levels within the terrarium. It can be controlled and adjusted according to the needs of the terrarium inhabitants. 5.
How do I Keep my terrarium humid?
Cool your terrarium – reduce the air’s capacity to hold water and reduce evaporation rates at the same time. Use a coarser substrate – the less water your substrate can retain, the less water you can maintain in the system. When it comes to checking the humidity levels in your terrariums, There’s the scientific way and the visual way.
How humid is a terrarium?
Most terrarium plants prefer humidity levels above 60%, while some enjoy as high as 80 or 90%! Therefore, indoor gardeners need to work to make sure that their terrariums stay more humid than the rest of their homes. How Do you Check Humidity Levels in a Terrarium? First things first — how do you know if your terrarium is humid enough or not?
How to maintain a terrarium?
Pro tip: Use distilled or filtered water in your spray bottle to prevent the buildup of minerals on the terrarium glass and plants. To maintain the humidity levels in your terrarium, it is essential to monitor them regularly. Invest in a hygrometer, a device used to measure humidity levels, and place it inside the terrarium.
Why is humidity important in a terrarium?
The enclosed nature of a terrarium limits the exchange of moisture with the surrounding environment, making humidity control essential. Plants within the terrarium rely on the moisture in the air to meet their hydration needs. Without adequate humidity, plants can wilt, wither, and ultimately die.
How to monitor terrarium humidity?
The first step in monitoring terrarium humidity is to invest in a reliable hygrometer. This device measures the humidity levels inside your terrarium and helps you determine if adjustments are needed. Place the hygrometer in an area where it can accurately capture the overall humidity of the terrarium. Add moisture to the terrarium.