How to Keep Chameleons Humid

Taking on a chameleon as a pet should be done only after doing some serious homework. Several types of chameleons need a habitat with 60 to 80 percent humidity for them to survive. To keep a terrarium at this level there are several methods involving every system from the substrate to a possible misting system. It is best to use them in conjunction with each other to create a low-maintenance habitat.

Things You'll Need

  • Sphagnum or peat moss
  • Live tropical plants (pothos for example)
  • Plastic wrap
  • Spray bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Install sphagnum or peat moss substrate. This type of material holds far more water than newspaper, chipped bark or crushed nuts. This allows for more evaporation over a longer period of time keeping the amount of moisture in the air more consistent.

    • 2

      Add as many live tropical plants as possible to the terrarium. This doesn't mean that you can't have plastic plants as well, it just means that live plants will help keep the moisture levels constant. Live plants hold and release moisture during different phases of the day. Pothos is the easiest tropical plant to root in a terrarium environment.

    • 3

      Cover up to half of the screened top of the tank with plastic wrap to help keep moisture in. Don't fully restrict the airflow and don't cover so much of the tank that an auxiliary air flow device is needed. Extra airflow will simply dry out the air more quickly.

    • 4

      Spray the contents of the tank with a fine mist several times a day. This can be done with a cheap plastic spray bottle or the addition of a mechanical misting system.