**Explanation:**

**Introduction:**
Plants can reproduce in different ways, including through seeds and stem cuttings. In the context of obtaining plants similar to the mother plant, stem cuttings are a viable method. This is because stem cuttings have the ability to develop into new plants that closely resemble the characteristics of the mother plant.

**Stem Cuttings:**
Stem cuttings involve taking a portion of the mother plant's stem and encouraging it to form roots and develop into a new plant. This method is commonly used in horticulture and plant propagation. Here's how it works:

1. **Preparation:** Select a healthy and mature stem from the mother plant. It is important to choose a stem that is free from diseases, pests, and damage.
2. **Cutting:** Using a sharp and sterilized knife or secateurs, make a clean cut just below a node on the stem. A node is a point on the stem where leaves or buds emerge.
3. **Auxiliary Treatments:** Some stem cuttings may benefit from the application of rooting hormone, which stimulates the growth of roots. This step is optional and depends on the specific plant species.
4. **Rooting Medium:** Prepare a rooting medium, which can be a mix of soil, sand, or a specialized rooting medium. This medium provides support and moisture for the cutting to develop roots.
5. **Planting:** Insert the lower end of the stem cutting into the rooting medium, ensuring that at least one or two nodes are buried below the surface. Firmly press the medium around the cutting to provide stability.
6. **Environmental Conditions:** Place the planted cutting in a suitable environment, such as a greenhouse or a sheltered area. Maintain optimal conditions for root development, including proper humidity, temperature, and light.
7. **Care and Maintenance:** Regularly monitor the cutting for signs of root development, such as new growth or resistance when gently tugged. Water the cutting as needed, ensuring the rooting medium remains moist but not waterlogged.
8. **Transplanting:** Once the cutting has developed a sufficient root system, it can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the desired location in the garden.

By following these steps, a new plant can be obtained from a stem cutting that closely resembles the mother plant. This method allows for the propagation of desirable traits and the production of genetically identical plants.