my reed stem epis were all in large bark mix, just like cats, and were in a very hot sunny corner of the greenhouse....they liked to dry some, and grew offshoots and keikis like mad!...they were all over 3' tall....the blooming spike will make flowers for months, and after it is finished, you can cut it down to the first 'clean' node, or bump on the stem...that will help it form keikis....good luck and enjoy!