Cloning should be really easy. I have seen 3 people do it differently and all are successful. I just started cloning this year and it is really going surprisingly well. I will need to get rid of some excess clones soon.

My friend uses cheap ass Rootone powder. He cuts the cutting cuts off the lower leaves and branches of each cutting. Then dips the stem in water then the powder. He makes a little hole in dirt and sticks it in.

Another guy does basically the same but uses the rock wool cubes. He makes a little hole with a stick and sticks the cutting in.

I use the Clonex Gel and the rockwool that is already in little squares with little holes. I just cut, shave a little of the skin off (maybe 1/4 to1/2 inch) depending on how big the cutting is. I make a little slit in the end of the cutting then dip it in the gel and stuff it in a pre soaked rock wool cube hole.

I soak with Clonex rooting solution mixed with the proper amount of water then pour all the water off so the cubes are completely soaked but there is no water in the tray underneath. When more water is needed I water the same way by soaking then pouring off the excess.

I use 25W flouride lights 24/7 when starting new clones. As soon as I see any roots on the bottom or sides of the cubes I put them in Happy Frog.

I am sure there are other products that work as well but I had heard of Clonex brand. I don't have 100% success but at least 95 % work.