Cattleya maxima - is this a sheath?

[DaylightFirefly]

I guess my main question is about sheaths? Can they be open like in the picture below?
I have seen cattleyas with sheaths like a sealed pocket or a sock. This one is open. Please let me know if you have seen sheaths like that, open.

Thank you!

[estación seca]

It does look like a sheath.

[Louis_W]

Occasionally there can be smaller secondary leaves instead of sheaths, but yours looks like a normal sheath to me!

[DaylightFirefly]

Thank you all for commenting! I really appreciate your insight!
Now I have a bit of hope that it may turn into a flower.

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by DaylightFirefly

Thank you all for commenting! I really appreciate your insight!
Now I have a bit of hope that it may turn into a flower.

It may or not. Sometimes, usually in younger plants they hrow what we call "Empty" or "Blind" sheaths.

[Maryanne]

My Husband says those blind sheaths are just "practice." ; -)

[DaylightFirefly]

Thank you both Rbarata and Maryanne for words of encouragement and awareness. This plant is a first time bloomer. That is for sure. It is not so small and young per my understanding. Blooming would be something it should be capable of doing. Conditions on the way to blooming may not be ideal, because I am a beginner and may miss something. I hope everything plays out in favor of blooming this time. It is sunny, temperatures are nice and appropriate for maximas, watering is established. Fingers crossed. I will definitely post here if this sheath is a bloom bearing one.