Should i have left it alone to begin with? I tried to, but i was watching it get more and more rotten by the minute and became convinced it was rot because of the clear yellowish liquid that came out when i poked the soft part with a needle. I have grown many non rooted cuttings and never experienced any rot or growth issues before. I will definitely leave it now, thank you for your input.

It appears that your potting medium holds way too much moisture. Take a clean, sharp knife and cut the rotten area away. Be sure to keep only the unaffected part. Leave the cutting laying out in a semi-shaded area (under your porch awning, etc) until it has time to callus over. This will probably take a couple of days, but not more than four or five days. When the wound has sealed over, replant in a sharp draining potting medium or in a dry area of your yard. Be sure to get a good amount of the pad down into the soil. It should root and do well.

Cuttings can take 6 weeks or more to root. I'd probably give it only some morning sun or mostly shade since your temps are very warm. Don't water anymore. You could give an occasional misting. If the soil gets bone dry, you could also dribble a bit of water around the edge of the pot, but don't get any water on the cutting or soil right around the cutting. That's what I would do anyway.

Hello Amanda, Sounds like you have some experience with rooting cuttings...so you hopefully will have success with this little beauty!! At least you will have given it a chance... Superthrive has vitamins and hormones that all plants love. I use this every time I water anything (Especially when it is outside because it smells!!!) You can find this at any Garden Store and sometimes at Walmart. It only calls for a tiny bit, sso read the instructions. when soaking for cuttings, I use 1/2 tsp of st. and 1/2 tsp B-1 per quart of water. B-1 is what it is...B-1 vitamin...This also is good when transplanting trees to help prevent shock. I use this in the spring as well. This is available at your local hydroponics store or you can order it on line. Rooting Hormone is still good for the cutting. Sometimes it is really the cutting that had the problem...not because of the rooting hormone...I would always use this on all of my cuttings. Rooting any cutting this time of the year is hard for anyone...so remember to use a heating mat. If you can a grow light will also be helpful too!! I am currently growing a cutting at this time as well. I check (look) at it evey day for any signs of growth...but remember they take their sweet time to root so don't poke or try to see if any roots are forming. Give them plenty of time to root on their own time...hopefully it will root for you!!! Since you had to cut parts off of this cutting, make sure that you pot it up and soak the right end up...always remember that the scars from the old leaves on the stem will smile at you if it is in the right direction. As far as new tips and leaves, they will form from the sides of the cut tip. You will see in time..new little bumps, from there the new tips will form and then leaves!!!! I centainlly hope this works for you...let us know what happens down the road. Did the seller send you a new cutting? Take care Amanda and good luck to you and your cutting!! Laura in VB