Cluster Decoration

The Cluster Decoration node attaches external geometry to the plant.

• Instancing: Places copies of input meshes onto the skeleton.
• Deformation: Can bend instances to follow the branch curvature.
• Variation: Selects from multiple input variants based on attributes.

Concept

Dressing the Skeleton Use this to add leaves, flowers, thorns, or fruit. Unlike Surface Decoration (which skins the branch itself), Cluster Decoration attaches objects to the branch.

Inputs

• Input 0 — Graph The growth graph.
• Input 1+ — Geometry The meshes to instance (e.g., a leaf model).
• Output — Graph The graph with cluster instructions.

Parameters

Placement

• Density: How many instances per unit length.
• Pattern: Phyllotaxis (Spiral, Opposite, Whorled).
• Align: Orientation rules (tumbling, facing up/out).

Variation

• Scale: Randomize size.
• Variant Attribute: Attribute to drive which input mesh is used.

Attributes

• Consumes: u, width, orient.
• Generates: instance attributes on the output points.

Workflow

1. Import a leaf mesh.
2. Connect it to a Cluster Decoration node.
3. Connect the decoration to a Grow node (e.g., Branches).
4. Adjust Density and Pattern to get the desired look.

Related Nodes