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I'm worried about my guys, I don't think they are liking the AC, they were developing new leaves and really changing while I had the windows open and they were getting warm air moving across them. They have stopped any developement. I'm thinking that I have a covered (enclosed) porch, it's not overly light out there but if I put them in front of an open, screened in window, that they might like it better. It's suppose to be a bit cooler this week, highs in 80s (instead of 90's) and down into the 60's at night.

Do you think I should move them out and would it be better to do it slowly? If they are going, think this week would be the best as the differents in heat won't be that bad.

Suggestions? I now have 3 phals, 2 cats.

Your phals won't need that much light for they do well even indoors -- beside, but not in front of a window. If your porch is screened and shaded the light just from being outside should be enough. You want to take care that sunlight does not fall directly on the leaves, though, for their leaves can burn in a heartbeat. The ideal temperature range for them is the 70's to low 80's, I have been told, typical indoor temps that they seem to thrive under. Humidity is very important. When I lived in area where humidity was low, I placed them on trays with large decorative rock under neath and kept the tray filled with water.

The temperature range you state sounds good. As to the light, just being outside they are bound to get enough light, even on a shaded porch. They really do not need high light like cats, vandas and some other varieties.

Nanaflower is the ultimate authority, though, and if you have concerns you might drop her a pm.

Too bad when they sell orchids they don't have light meters stocked beside them. That is the ideal way to test a new location, see how many footcandles in a given spot so one knows their orchids are getting the ideal amount.

My back porch gets NO direct light, even in front of the window, they face north and there are too many trees and shrubs blocking the light. One Phal is losing both bottom leaves at the same time, they are turning yellow. I'm a bit concerned. They were all putting on new leaves till I turned the AC on. Now not growing at all. I mist them 2x a day and have them in trays above water. I just don't think they like the AC at all.

Phal bottome leaves are suppose to turn yellow and then fall off. that is normal. of course if more than the bottom 2 fall off, then you need to see if the roots are too wet.
In the meantime, the humidity, air circulation and daylight are great for almost all orchids. Just keep the cool orchids inside.
the reason they stopped thriving is because they are now exposed to cooler temps which halt growth. Think tropics and how the weather out side would be if you and the orchids lived there. No direct sunlight and you will be just fine.

I think I'm going to move them to the back porch. I have company right now and it's kind of chaotic around here. Maybe I should back off on the spritzing till I get them outside, I keep thinking that they are dryed out because of the AC but maybe not. The 2 bottom leaves fell off of the phal just now, there is some yellowing on the next lowest leaf but the top 3 look just fine.

Move them out if they are not growing. The change in temps will not harm the plant it causes bud blast. If it is not forming blooms now it doesn't matter. Your two Cats should be outside where temps are higher than you are running the a/c plus they need much brighter light that the Phals. Can you hang the Cattleyas under a tree? No direct sunlight, just bright and indirect. Your porch is too dark for Cats.

I can hang the cats outside, I'll do that tonight. No blooms coming on but I was so happy to see the new growth going on and very disappointed when it stopped. Hopefully the weather will cool off a bit and I can turn the AC off....hate it anyway.....rather having it warm and a breeze coming in the windows. A little sweat never hurt anyone.

I agree, hate the air condition myself, and because every year we acclamate ourselves to it, we need it. Its been wondeful not having to put it on as much. Today is 70 with a nice breeze, a bit humid, but not bac. Keep the shades drawn and you can tolerate it.
Otherwise we will all be worse off. What about 25 years ago, when Air conditioning was not that common, what did we do?
Drink drink drink, water is most important when you sweat. Orchids know that and they love this humidity.
Have a good day all.

I didn't have AC until 1977. I can take it pretty warm, I have very tall ceilings and downstairs in my house doesn't get really warm until it starts being in the upper 70's at night. We had a real break over the 4th as it cooled off, rained 4th and 5th but suppose to heat back up again this week. I've had the windows open and think the chids have been enjoying this.

They really do like the natural elemints of humidity and breezes and light. I walk into the local greenhouse here in town and they have shade cloth on some of their greenhouses that get the scorching sun 10 hours, they have water sprinklers above, they fertilize in those waterings, and they have air movement all the time. I guess they have it the best they can, It doesn't seem to get above 85 anywhere, so I guess they have figured it out. I just don't want their heating and electric bills.....lol They are pretty steep, I ve been told.
Before all this Utility regulation by the govt, we never had high prices on anything, that I can remember...