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!

[quiltergal]

That's "happy sap", or "honeydew". It's a good thing. It means your plant is happy, and whatever culture you're giving it it likes. I think it's caused by excess sugars the plant produces, so that means it's getting enough nutrients. Good work!

What Kind of Den. is it? With a little more info we can give you better culture advice.

[jess_hawk]

Oh good that makes me feel better. The Den was labled "Emma- Burana white." I've got photos up in the thread where I announced that I got it - got it from the orchid club meeting. If the sap is a good thing I guess maybe I won't change anything right away... Except maybe switch over to filtered water.
Here's the other thread:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...t-orchids.html

[Sandy4453]

60 degrees is not too cold for Dends, especially when resting and definitely with Dend. Phals. Less watering during the cool months when your plant isn't putting out much growth is what you should be doing for this kind of Dend. Once the weather starts warming up, you should begin to see new growth and even if you don't, is when you'll want to start watering more frequently....with warmer temps, higher light. Also, during cooler, resting months, I don't believe it's a good idea to fertilize. Spring through end of summer is the time to feed Dends. I wouldn't worry though, you've got blooming going on so it sounds like your plant is happy. And, the dew on the stems is normal!

[jess_hawk]

Thanks!