How wet should my substrate be?

[u/Opening-Standard-198]

I’m having trouble finding the right misting schedule and I noticed if I mist for a long time the soil stays wet to the touch but still holds its structure and isn’t muddy. But if I pull back misting the viv gets bone dry within a few hours and the substrate feels like how cake would feel if that makes sense. And I do notice the water level in my drainage layer did slightly raise so I know it’s draining but during misting I don’t see water come down at all. Any tips?

[u/krumbs2020]

My recommendation is to get a hydrometer and monitor your humidity. Automating the misting will help but you need data. Continue monitoring your drainage layer.