Plants can indeed grow without a traditional stem. Various types of plants do not have a distinct stem structure. For example, some plants like mosses and ferns grow without a stem as we typically think of it in flowering plants. In these cases, the plant body may consist of leaves, rhizoids (root-like structures), and other specialized structures for support and reproduction.

Additionally, certain plants like succulents have a modified stem called a caudex which is short and stout, often serving as a water reservoir. Some plants exhibit a stemless growth habit where the leaves arise directly from the ground, such as in certain species of orchids.

Therefore, while stems are a common feature in many plants, some species have evolved alternative structures to fulfill the functions typically associated with stems.