First time poster! I’m so glad to have found a group where I can ask questions!! I can’t find anything about what these are? Is my plant dry?

I live in Southern California about 15 minutes from the beach but the winters are very dry.

I took it out of its pot, the soil was still moist at the bottom, I smelled it just in case it was funky from root rot. Just smelled like dirt.

I have a moisture meter and it says it isn’t dry yet, was wanting to water it but am afraid without getting advice!

I just bought a small humidifier for it, it’s only been a day so I assume it will get better?

Thoughts?