Stem cutting / Root rot pls guide

I actually want correct method of stem cuttings and when and on what type of stem to do.Few days back I tried it with Hibiscus stem but no roots developed and in other case the root simply had rot.
How to identify if roots have developed without digging for them?Because I've a Basil plant of 10 inch height whose leaves dropped while repotting (I thought the plant died without rooting in new pot.
Also want to know if how much water to give to plants in Pots, I find it very tricky.

Hi burraganesh, the best way to learn when to water pots or even plants growing in the garden is Stick your finger into the soil as close to the roots as possible, if the soil is dry then the plants need water, if the soil feels damp/ wet then no water is needed, don't be fooled by how much water to give, if the soil is bone dry then it is difficult to apply water to get down to the roots as the water normally just runs off the top soil as a crust of dry soil has formed so give water, then test soil with finger and water more if a few inches down the soil is dry.
My advice for watering dry root areas is to make a hole, close to the root area, stick an empty plastic juice bottle upside down into the hole (remove the bottom of the bottle first)
then when you water, fill the bottle up a few times as the water will go right to the root where it is most needed.
For stem cuttings it will take months rather than just a few days for roots to form, the best way to do this is to cut stems that have never had flowers grow on them, then remove several of the bottom leaves make a hole on the soil (in pots) and insert the cuttings around the outer edge of the pot / container, you will have to make sure these cuttings don't dry out, mist-spray the leaves each day to help prevent too much evaporation from the plant and keep out of strong sun, after anything from 2 -6 months your cuttings should have rooted.
Hope this helps you out. Good luck, WeeNel.

Burraganesh,
I do wood cuttings and fleshy, soft tissue cuttings different.
Woody cuttings like Hibiscus, and other woody perennials I put half a toothpick in the bottom of each stem to keep stems off of bottom. I then put them in a jar of clean water to which I add Hydrogen peroxide, 3%, one part peroxide to twenty parts water. It is then H2O2. Keep at least 3 inches of stem underwater. I always try to have a node in the bottom inch of the cutting.
I have rooted Brugmansias, Hydrangeas, Hibiscus and Copperleaf this way. I change the water regularly and have a good root system in about 6 weeks.
If you have a very small air pump it works even faster. In the US such pumps are available for fish tanks.
Both Hydrogen Peroxide and the air pump bring extra oxygen into the water. The peroxide also drives away fungus and rot.
After they are rooted plant them in good soil.
Good luck.