Thinking aloud. So you are getting a sheath, so that is the first step in the flowering sequence. That means that the plant hormone florigen has been initiated. So why does it abort the sequence? Florigen is initiated by the photoreceptive period, and temprature. And you say the other cattleya types are blooming well enough. Mystery. Since most cattleyas originate from near the equator, there is less importance to photoreceptive period, and more emphasis on tempreture. Many growers will cool down/chill the orchids to get them to flower. If in an apartment and exactly the same temp, day in and out-- Maybe this particular plant is more sensitive, and must be cooled down. Possibly stick in refrigerator for a while? I know people who have greenhouses who do have refrigerators for orchids. Lets see... (thinking)...
The typical reason for not blooming or giving an "empty sheath" is not enough light. 2000 to 3000 footcandles are needed. One experience I have had is with Iris. I planted them under a tree in the shade, and they did not give me any flowers, but they grew well (vegetative growth). Once I moved them into full sun, they started to produce flowers. I wonder if this is something similar.
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