Should I cut the sheath? Bud trapped inside.
 

Hello, my friends

It seems one of the buds is trapped inside the sheath.
This sheath is really rigid and dry so I'm not sure if the growing bud has enough force to crack it without being deformed or damaged.

What would you do?

http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/...psgjxqrbqi.jpg

Bud caught in sheath
 

The way to overcome the situation is to cut the sheath off about one inch above the bud. Then take each side of the sheath and pull apart to expose the bud. Hope this helps. Cattmad.

I'd let things progress naturally, and if what you fear came to pass I'd try to figure out what I did wrong to end up with a weak plant.

I'd go with cattmad on this. Some people panic and cut sheaths too soon or the wrong way, but this is ready for freedom. Unless you consistently see this problem I wouldn't worry about why.

That's what I think too. The spike is almost completely out, except the terminal bud that seems to be trapped. Unless it can rip the sheath apart it might get bent and dry.
It seems the sheath has a kind of a seam on the edges, being the weakest "point". Hopefully it will open with the growth... if not, I will open it myself.

Well, this is my first flowers growing in my first (and only) catt. I don't even know how the flowers are. I just know they are spotted in pink/purple.

From the picture it looks as if it will push its way out of the sheath. If it bothers you to see it struggle you can help it along, but be very careful as it is easy to damage or knock one or more buds off.

Changing the subject PaphMadMan what happened to your Badgers against Ohio State. Thought they had them, curse that Urban Meyer.

In two days, if it doesn't come out, I'll do a little cirurgy.

I'll blame it on the night game, just too late for our wholesome Wisconsin farm boys.

Done!

After two days I couldn't see any perpective of this bud to get free. And there's a black spot when the bud contacts the sheath wall.
The sheath was dry, papery but rigid.
Cut it very close to the tip of the terminal bud.

I think I've done it right and hope it can grow straight now.

http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/...pscjhtesoo.jpg
http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7rmtnpw8.jpg
http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/...psq2fy6sic.jpg
http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/...psctt7euki.jpg

In the photo it's a little bit faded, in the 2nd pic where the bud is pressing the sheath. I thought it could be the beginnig of something not very good.:)

I sure will. After being hitting everybody with a lot of posts about this particular plant, that the least I can do.:D