Question
Hi Mike,
 I have been working on my Moms yard for 4 years and am now working on ours. I cut some branches (just below the knee), and removed the bottom leaves on some Lakewood Jasmines and a few Night Blooming and put them in water. Believe ir or not I have been fairly fortunate bringing roots on cutting from Basil, Ivy and Ruella doing this. They have been in the water now for a week and are doing nothing. The Night Bloomings are actually turning yellow and dropping their leaves. Is it too late to try a rooting gel on these same cuttings? I am trying hard to replace the trees and shrubs we lost during hurricanes Katrina and Wilma without further decimating our bank accounts. Thankyou in advance, Lisa

Answer
Lisa, unfortunately, it is too late. For some reason, the method you are using is very inconsistent. Sometimes it proves successful, other times the cutting cannot absorb nutrients due to the stem being waterlogged.

I would take a new cutting and dip it into a good rooting gel, place it in a fertile potting soil, cover it with clear plastic after watering, and check it after a few weeks for rooting. At that point, treat it as you would any young seedling. This method works every time.

Good luck, and have a good weekend.

Mike