In the Monstera genus, a spent node is a cutting that has already experienced growth from its axillary bud and then had that growth cut off. A viable axillary bud will appear fresh and green and may have even begun to sprout a new leaf growth. Spent buds, however, typically have brownish ends, as if they have grown before and their growth has been cut off. Once the axillary bud has been used, further growth from that plant is not possible.