Watering/Conditions for my Den. Emma

[jess_hawk]

My Den is leaking! The windowsill got cold (maybe 60) because whoever designed the dorm windows was an idiot who didn't put in nice, insulated windows (sorry, I'm really annoyed about this because they actually leak when it gets windy and it is SUCH a waste of energy, particularly in a building only a few years old)... Anyway, I moved the plants back further into the room where it's warmer, and when I did, I noticed some drops of sap on the stem. Could this be an effect of getting chilled? Otherwise, what does it mean!? Is it normal? The two last buds were looking a little droopy/sad but the blooms, other buds, and all leaves looked excellent and a new bloom is opening so I thought that part might be from the cold.

My other concern is watering. The dorm is really, really dry. I water lightly every other day or so, because the bark the orchids are in feels dry to me at that point, but I'm worried about watering too much, too little, or over fertilizing (I'm home for a couple of days so can't tell you what kind of fertilizer I'm using... at the moment I've been using it as directed). Or doing damage by using tap water... I know plants and I are all in agreement regarding the quality of tap water for consumption. I'd like to use rain water for them... but collecting rainwater at college is impractical, or at least I haven't thought up a good solution. Would a Britta filter (the pitcher kind) take out the right stuff? I've been thinking about getting one for me and would be happy to share with the 'chids. I'll be back when I get back to the dorm, to tell what fertilizer I'm using and ask if I should change application.

Thanks!