It is easy to grow an avocado house plant by rooting the stone of a shop-bought avocado pear. It’s a bit of fun too…
![Avocado 1](http://www.amateurgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Avocado-1.jpg)
1) Holding the stone (often referred to as a ‘pit’) with its narrow- or pointed-side up, stick four toothpicks into the middle section at even intervals. They should go in to the stone to a depth of about ¼in (6mm).
![Avocado 2](http://www.amateurgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Avocado-2.jpg)
2) Add water to a small glass until it reaches the rim. Sit your avocado stone over the glass; the toothpicks should sit on the rim of the glass, leaving the rounded base of the stone under in the water. Put on a north-facing windowsill.
![Avocado 3](http://www.amateurgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Avocado-3.jpg)
3) Change the water every other day so that the base of the stone is always submerged in clean water (otherwise the rooting process is hindered). After 3-4 weeks, a tap root should emerge, followed by other fibrous roots.
![Avocado 4](http://www.amateurgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Avocado-4.jpg)
4)Soon, the avocado will sprout at the top, with one or two leaves. Remove it from the glass, and gently take out each toothpick. Use a small pot filled with houseplant compost. Bed in the roots and half-bury the stone. Firm it in.
![Avocado 5](http://www.amateurgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Avocado-5.jpg)
5) Place the avocado back on the windowsill. Water enough to keep the soil moist: if leaves turn brown at the tips the plant needs more water; if they turn yellow it is getting too much water and needs to dry out for a day or two.