I've seen better results when making sure that there is a node BELOW the cloning medium. So for example, I'll make my cut, and there will be usually 2 or 3 nodes & a few leaves. On one of those nodes, I will cut the branch from the side of the clone stem and be sure that the cut area goes below the medium. Sometimes I will also use the edge of a blade to scrape the side of the clone stem or rough it up as this helps propagate root growth over a larger surface area, and faster..

Great post! Thanks.