I have a 66% cloning rate w/ no hormones and in mirical grow potting soil. granted ive only tried 3 haha. but 2 of them survived and the one that died started to droop about an hour after the t-plant.
i recomend liquid rather than gel. ( i think it spreads evenly and can also be absorbed right away. cut the clones trim 2 levels of internodes from the base of the clone, scrape away some "skin" or stem, dip in root hormone/water solution and stick in the dirt.
i use a toothpick to make the hole then push the stem in a little deeper as to make sure the bottom has dirt touching all around it (air pockets and empty space around the stem is bad.) keep moist but not super wet.
i let them veg in the solo cup for about 3-4 weeks then transplant.