The growth of a stable stationary structure: coordinating cell behavior and patterning at the shoot apical meristem.

•The geometry of the SAM is maintained by complex patterns of division and elongation.•Non-linear relationships between specific regulators of functional zones pattern the SAM.•Patterns of auxin and cytokinin signaling regulate organogenesis dynamics and stem cell activity.•Similar patterning modules control SAM, developing organs and axillary meristems.