This one - for this time - exhibited one of those no-show (or brown empty sheath) situations, as in signs that there would be no flower bud or spike. And then - as many have also experienced -- one day, when looking at the orchids - we get a surprise showing of a bud, or buds.
Nice colours from this single flower. Also notice the sunburned leaf. These can endure quite strong sunlight. It's no longer summer, so no more burning. This one is quite sun hardenened.
Thank you for posting this explanation. I have a plant that has been growing new pbs and developing sheaths. One of them in particular has turned brown, and I have been disappointed until now. This is my first cattleya, so I am learning as I go. Your post is encouraging.
Most welcome DOM. There have been many times when we do the 'see-through' thing by seeing if any silhouette can be seen when natural light shines from the other side ---- such shapes of buds etc. And there will be times when we see absolutely no activity ---- and the sheath eventually goes brown, or white/brown and dried, and nothing happening at all even after a long time.
And then - one day, just looking at the orchids, or doing watering etc, it's the 'what's this?' experience hehehe. As in ----- all of a sudden you get something unexpected. You will certainly encounter that with your orchids later too!
It's known that not all dried sheaths will eventually get activity later. But is certainly known that it's not uncommon for dried sheaths to eventually have something pop out - which is so nice.