Some people do use a weak nute solution. Yet, in your case you don't know what your problem is yet. The nutes aren't taken in by the plant until there are roots. Don't use the nute solution in order to remove some of the variables. The reason for the weak solution is to keep the plants growing once they root at maximum speed. Once you have cloning down, you can add things and see how they work. That's the reason for removing the nute solution. Cloning isn't hard but you just have to see what works for you. Using a rooting hormone will speed rooting up but it's not needed. Yet, I would definitely use a rooting hormone. In many cases the longer a plant takes to root, the more likely that the poor little cuts won't make it. I'm not trying to be mean to you. I am trying to allow you to better organize your variables and see what's going on in your case.
Nice looking widows Pharma!!!