Glad to hear you potentially ID'd the problem.

I forgot to mention...I also scrape the bottom onch or two of the cutting down to the cambium layer (just under the 'bark' where the roots will develop from) prior to dipping in the rooting hormone. Otherwise, the hormone has to absorb through the bark before getting to where it's needed.
Disclaimer: Do not damage all your cuttings trying to learn this simple technique...

One quick scrape (not a slice) with the scissors on each side of the cutting to get to the cambium layer. Requires a gentle yet firm touch. You can practice "the scrape" on an unwanted male or a stalk of celery, till you get the hang of it. Y'all know that ribbon for wrapping gifts...the kind with ribs all along it's length? You pull the ribbon between your thumb and the scissors, and it curls-up...? Basically the same type of motion.

Drops a couple of days off the rooting process. :thumbsup: