Quote Originally Posted by Chromophore
And to add to OMB's story, I recently took cuttings from tops of the plants, domed, humidity and all that, and 2 of the 5 cuttings have already died. I'm going with twigs from now on!
There is some logic to it.

The terminal bud produces Auxins.
Auxins retard the growth of the lower branches, giving Cannabis a pine tree shape.

Topping a plant removes the main Auxin source and allows the lower branches to grow.
It's a survival thing.

I had slow rooting from lower branch cuttings, so went and did some reading, (can ya tell)

Given the Auxin information, it becomes obvious that topping, or fimming should be done several hours before taking cuttings from lower branches .
When Auxin levels drop, they start a growth spurt, and I have had roots in three days!

The growth spurt needs water though, and without roots, the cuttings will be very stressed trying to transpire.
We can mitigate that by keeping the light very low, (instead of chopping off half the leaf mass), until the water roots pop out.
Then, kick the light up a notch and watch them take off!

Works so well, I quit using rootone, etc.
Just hack 'em off with a rusty razor and plop em in a beer bottle full of tap water.

If it allows for lazy, I like it.
If it allows for cheap, I love it!

Because sometimes, "Half-assed is more than good enough." (Our State motto, according to Weeze)

Aloha,
Wee,