What is the "stem" in crochet!

[Mary838]

5dc over the stem of the next dc

 

My friend is doing a pattern and I can't find a way to do the above. I did see something in stitchguide, where you go the the row below and go into the stem...really don't know what the "stem" is. Can you help me. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.....Mary

[crochet smartcat]

5dc over the stem of the next dc

 

My friend is doing a pattern and I can't find a way to do the above. I did see something in stitchguide, where you go the the row below and go into the stem...really don't know what the "stem" is. Can you help me. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.....Mary

 

My first guess would be that it is the post, but it would be really hard to fit 5 dc over the post.

 

Maybe it is the horizontal bar of the dc. Instead of inserting the hook under the top 2 strands, you insert it into the space between the individual dcs.

 

Just guesses mind you. I would try both and see which looks like the pattern picture.