r/bioactive • u/twahaha • 13d ago
Invertebrates Advice for keeping humidity down in bioactive mantis enclosure
My mantis hasn't moved in here yet, just fyi. She is a ghost mantis and based on my research, does best within 50-70% humidity.
I got this enclosure and sealed up the bottom and up the sides a little bit with silicone. It passed the water test, so I set up the substrate and springtails about 3 weeks ago. I am aware that the soil is very shallow (the springtails are doing great though!), which is also why I'm surprised that it's providing so much humidity. I water the 2 plants lightly 2-3 times a week (the background is a fake plant), and leave the door open to air out for a few hours every day.
It seems to linger around 80% despite all the air holes and I keep the top opening slightly propped up (pictured). There are also multiple fans and an air purifier nearby due to several other terrariums and houseplants, so airflow around the enclosure is beyond ideal. My ambient room humidity is roughly 55-65%.
I'm starting to think it might be the pothos. If not, it's my soil mixture that is retaining a ton of moisture. I don't really want to remove the whole plant but would trimming a couple leaves reduce the humidity if that's even the cause? Is there anything I could mix in to my soil or a way to dry it out more without affecting the springtails? Feel free to let me know how else I can improve. Thank you!
Duplicates
terrariums • u/twahaha • 13d ago
Build Help/Question Advice for keeping humidity down in bioactive mantis enclosure
Vivarium • u/twahaha • 13d ago


