Lighting & Humidity

Lighting

Closed tropical terrariums
Bright indirect light. 10–12 hours a day. Avoid direct sun (it cooks the glass).

Recommended: A simple full-spectrum LED grow light on a timer 10–12 hrs.

Open or arid setups
Brighter conditions. Most succulents and air plants want several hours of bright (but not scorching) light.

Closed: Aim for 70–90%+ inside. Condensation on the glass in the morning is normal and healthy. If constantly dripping wet, vent for 20–30 mins.
Open: Ambient room humidity is usually fine. Mist every 3–7 days depending on plant type and airflow.

Too much: Constant heavy condensation, black spots, mould → vent daily and reduce watering.

Too little: Crispy leaf edges, soil drying fast → add more top moss or switch to a container with a narrower opening.

A simple digital hygrometer inside (or stuck to the glass) is the single best £8 investment for new terrarium keepers.