Propagate a houseplant

Make it: Root a basil cutting

Start here · 15 minutes setup, then 2-3 weeks

Gather: Healthy basil stem, clean scissors, clear glass, water, and small pot

Step by step

1. Choose a healthy basil stem about 10 cm long with several leaves. Cut just below a leaf node using clean scissors.
2. Remove leaves that would sit below the water line; leave the top leaves intact.
3. Place the lower stem in water near bright indirect light. Photograph it and write the date on a label.
4. Check the water and roots every few days. Refresh cloudy water and avoid letting leaves sit submerged.
5. When several roots have grown long enough to sit in compost, plant gently and water the pot. Track the first week of growth.

You're done when: The cutting has visible roots and new growth after potting; your dated notes show what changed.

Next project: Compare two basil cuttings

15 minutes setup, then 3 weeks

1. Take two similar healthy cuttings from a plant you own, using clean tools and the same container size.
2. Put them in two safe spots with different light, keeping water level and observation schedule similar.
3. Record root growth, leaf colour, and water changes twice a week without claiming one cutting proves a universal rule.
4. Pot only rooted cuttings and compare what happened with the original single-cutting journal.

You're done when: Your dated comparison identifies one difference and one reason you are still uncertain.

Course plan

1. Choose a suitable plant
2. Take a clean cutting
3. Set up rooting conditions
4. Observe before moving

More gardening courses

• Start a small-space gardenGrow something in a pot while learning light, soil, watering, and care.
• Grow herbs for your kitchenChoose, grow, harvest, and use one herb suited to your actual space.