When using the cloning gels and powders, a little dab will do ya. 'Glopping' it on will prevent moisture uptake from the stem, making it impossible for the plant to uptake moisture. (the rooting hormone creates a barrier) Filling a hole with the stuff and sticking the clone in it is worse than 'glopping', and the hormone needs to be making direct contact with the plant material you're trying to get to form roots. (it changes the cell structure to make roots)

The idea is to get the plant to realize it needs roots. Foliar feeding and misting the plants inhibits this. When under a dome, mist the dome surface and the sides oif the pots, but not the plants themselves. Remove the dome at least once daily to give fresh air and humidity. This prevents mold, too.

Never let the soil or plug dry until you've seen roots. Conversely...don't keep the soil or plug saturated.

Keep the clones warm, but not hot. If normal light distance is 4 inches, set the lights at 8 inches till rooted.

No nutrients till a cuple weeks after roots are noticed.

Leaves on the clones can yellow and die-off as the nutrients are sucked-out used for other parts of the plant. Although this is common, the goal is to have no die-off at all. (this comes with experience)

10 day old clones. Fully rooted, just transplanted into 1 gallon pots a couple days ago: