OK so I've tried 2-3 days without any coverings for some of the more developed catasetums, and they don't look like they've taken any damage. Over the past week or two, all the trees outside have regained their foliage (I guess I forgot about them

), so now I think the area I had in mind for them only gets unfiltered sunlight 11am-2pm.
Despite this, I'm still planning on some shade cloth -- that way I can also put some cattleyas outside as well.
EDIT:
Oh, and to elaborate, I've been putting them outside in the morning, and bringing them back in at sundown. Still pretty chilly here at night