Generally, it's best not to mess with them. But if you see that s-bend
mentioned in a prior post ... press GENTLY against the sides of the sheath,
chances are it will pop open for you. If you have overhead watering [your
own or provided by Mother Nature], you may also want to peel it down once
it's open -- leaving just the top open creates a risk of a big "puddle"
which could rot the buds. Go slow and make sure to keep the pressure even
on both sides. Good luck, Kenni

"David K" wrote in message
...
Hello Everyone ,

I have been reading & picking up tips from this group , but I
have a question now .
I have been bitten by the orchid bug for about a year now , and
having fun , I even had my Cattleya Mossiae bloom this year ,just one
flower and it blew me away , I have been watching my L. Purpurata form a
sheath , and watching the buds inside develop , today the buds (there
are two) seem to be taking up the whole sheath , and there seems to be
no sign of it opening , what will I do ? let Mother Nature do her thing
? or how would I lend a hand ? .

Thanks in advance for any advice .

David