A sheaf holds a bud to protect it..The sheath will protect developing buds and should not be removed.

thats "stem chaff" the papery stuff is

Its not part of the leaf but part of the stem

The new leafs emerging from the stems look fine and healthy

You can remove the chaff if you like, it does peel off..some say leave it some say get it off as it harbors bugs and fungus...this one them things thats up to you... :)

Don't yank and pull at it..It should come off easy when its ready to release

PS I dont really know anything, I have lots of opinions. :biggrin: