---
title: "My son and daughter-in-law bought two Basil plants and want to keep…"
description: "My son and daughter-in-law bought two Basil plants and want to keep them to use, not to mention they smell wonderful. One plant died within a week of repotting…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/ZYBjPsPzBu8QIR6HBUxltd"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "My Leafy Life"
published: "2025-09-13T18:23:45.012767Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/pestsDiseasesAndProblems.jpg"
---

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# My son and daughter-in-law bought two Basil plants and want to keep…

_Posted by My Leafy Life on 2025-09-13_

My son and daughter-in-law bought two Basil plants and want to keep them to use, not to mention they smell wonderful. One plant died within a week of repotting it. I have one picture from when I put Basil in a pot and some from today for comparison.

Basil is doing well. There have been some leaves with brown or a brown spot, usually young leaves, so I removed them. I also checked it for leaf stems that were long and removed them as well. As I was checking for them, I was pleasantly surprised to learn new leaves sprout at the base of the leaf stem.

I know next to nothing about Basil plants. I'm used to succulents that can go a long time between drinks. Basil plants need more water with damp but not wet soil. That's where my chicken is. I don't want him to end up with root rot.

How do I know if he's getting too much water? When should I take off leaves if we don't use them? I'm carefully watching for buds so I can cut them off.

## 6 comments

### Garden Mama commented on 2026-01-31

I've only grown basil outside in my vegetable garden. I'm starting seeds today and may keep some in my diningroom (good southern exposure). On thing I know they are good for keeping many pests away from other plants like tomatoes. How did your pee Basil do? I did not know it was a perennial, or didn't pay attention as we have winter here.

#### Doggy lover replied on 2026-05-23

Delighted to hear that they help keep pests away from tomatoes, and hopefully strawberries too 😁. I divided my container basil today into two separate plants. Hopefully they will both survive 🤞

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/mHnLG3k_TTpM0MQn0dWNb9uKMXqtFdvoy-goknY-bPY/sUzE2VODTWOVzJBwP12eOQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/mHnLG3k_TTpM0MQn0dWNb9uKMXqtFdvoy-goknY-bPY/zfjBsJizTri-hO7Z42cHBg.webp?size=large)

### Garden Mama commented on 2026-01-31

Potted basil^

#### My Leafy Life replied on 2026-01-31

It did well but it had gnats. I used stuff to get rid of them. My son and DIL didn't take care of them or use them as they planned so I ended up getting rid of them. I have enough plants to take care of. 🙂 They would have continued to grow because they did really well under grow lights.

### Garden Mama commented on 2026-01-31

Thanks for the update. I may try to keep one growing inside. We'll see how the seeds take.

#### My Leafy Life replied on 2026-01-31

I will be surprised if they don't take. They're supposed to be one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. They also grow really well in water. I saw a video of a guy who kept his in a bowl of water as a hanging plant. It was at least two feet long, probably longer. It was beautiful. Granted, he kept it outside, which I can't do here in Minnesota but it could be put out in summer. I was successful in putting cuttings in water and they sprouted roots in no time. I tried it as a test. I was impressed at how quickly the roots grow.

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