Cattleya leopoldii buds

My C. leopoldii is getting ready to bloom.  The inflorescence starts emerging from a green sheath before the new leaves are fully open.  Some people claim this trait is one that helps distinguish this species from its close relative, C. guttata, in which the inflorescence emerges from a dry sheath.  This is a shot from about a week ago.  Note the drops of dew at the tips of the buds - very sticky and sweet.