Book 29, Question 33 · Video
How can a cut stem grow new roots in a glass of water?
Many plants, such as basil, mint, and coleus, can grow roots from a cut stem. A gardener snips a stem just below a leaf joint, removes the lower leaves, and stands it in water on a bright windowsill. In one to two weeks, thin white roots appear from the stem. The plant makes a growth chemical called auxin that triggers roots. The new plant is a clone of its parent.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can a cut stem grow new roots in a glass of water?
The Big Idea
You can grow a new plant from a snipped stem! It grows roots in a glass of water. How does that work?
Snip a Stem
Step one: Snip a Stem. Many plants, like basil, mint, and coleus, can grow roots from a cut stem. A grown-up snips a stem just below a leaf joint and removes the lower leaves.
In Water
Step two: In Water. Stand the stem in water on a bright windowsill. In one to two weeks, thin white roots appear from the stem.
Auxin
Step three: Auxin. The plant makes a growth chemical called auxin that triggers roots to grow. The new plant is a clone, exactly like its parent.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Below a joint. Lower ones. Bright spot. One to two weeks.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Gardeners call these stem pieces cuttings. Auxin triggers roots. A clone of the parent. Basil and mint work well.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Ask a grown-up to snip a basil or mint stem. Pull off the lower leaves. Stand it in a jar of water by a window. Measure the roots every few days. How long did they grow?
Outro
Many plants like basil, mint, and coleus can grow roots from a cut stem placed in water. A growth chemical called auxin triggers roots in a week or two, and the new plant is a clone of its parent. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!