New to Cattleyas and hybrids…

[lambo1972]

Hello all! Since I am new to Cattleya hybrids, I have to share and ask questions even though I’ve been reading up on them. The plant in the picture is a Potinara hybrid from Sunset Valley Orchids. It came with what looks what like folks refer to as a ‘sheath’, which was dry and brown. It seems to be getting bigger and the other day, with the sun behind it I noticed what look like buds in the sheath. Put the flashlight behind it to show you. So my question(s) are, this is a sheath right? Those are buds? The big question here is to cut it open or not? In reading some say cut it open, most folks say no. Thanks for the advice!