How do I properly root cuttings?

I've used rooting hormone, wrapped the cutting into a wet papertowel and kept it moist, it looked great for a couple of weeks and then died. I did this to a rubber tree, a rose of Sharon, Brugmansia, without any success. Any suggestions?

How do I properly root cuttings?
The use of the word 'cutting' is usually the fault. Do not cut the piece you are taking. Move closer to the branch or stem from which it is growing and pull downwards. You will end with a nodule at the end of your 'cutting'. Dip in rooting hormone, plant in a pot and water well. Keep indoors until it starts showing growth of it's own. Good luck.
Reply:Some cuttings, most notably cacti and succulents, need to dry out and form a scab where they were cut, or they will rot and turn to mush.





Some like to be rooted in damp sand or pearlite, or a mixture of the two, then covered, but not airtight. Some need to be rooted in water. Others will root in water, but those roots will be different from ones that root in soil and will have to start over (epiphyllums, for example).





So there is no one answer to your question. You'll probably have to research each particular plant, or try all the methods for each at the same time. One should work.
Reply:Depends on the plant. A great rooting powder kit if offered online at the source below: It the the one with three types of rooting hormone.





The best thing to do is put the cutting in some moist media, like miracle grow potting soil. Then you want it to receive indirect light and enough moisture to keep ground and leaves wet. Rooting can happen in 1-6 weeks again, depending on plant.