is there any reason one cannot plant directly in the substrate? i live in a fairly dry location and have enough trouble keeping the humidity up enough for my bp. i'm thinking i want to fill the bottom of my cresty's cage with natural potting soil and plant pothos directly in it. i'm thinking watering the plants will keep the surface moist and the humidity up. though ive heard people keep the plants in the pots. is this because the plant inhibits substrate cleaning? and if so what does normal substrate cleaning entail? a complete change out for new soil or...? and is the amount that i need to water the plant going to equal how wet i'm supposed to keep the substrate? i'm thinking definitely not soppy wet but damp is about right for both pothos and cresty.
thanks.