Petiole.
The stalk that attaches a leaf blade to the stem.
What it means for your plants
A petiole is not a stem and usually carries no bud, so a leaf cut with only its petiole seldom forms a new plant. Petioles orient leaves toward light, so tie climbing plants by the main stem and leave petioles free to move.
IN PRACTICE
Monstera petioles can exceed 50 cm and swing each leaf toward the brightest window over a few days.
Put it into practice
Grow Monstera deliciosa well: 10,000–20,000 lux, water when the top 3–5 cm is dry, a chunky bark mix, a moss pole, and the conditions that trigger split leaves.
Monstera deliciosa care: bright light, an airy mix, and a pole to climb