its not uncommon for the stems to wilt and rot at the soil line , I soak my root riots in clonex then squeeze them out so they are damp. then I do my cuts and dip in gel then put them the root riots that are in soil, if the soil dry's out I will water the outside of the pot so the roots will be drawn to the water try not to disturb the cuttings while they are rooting , do you scrape away the tissue on the outside of the stem this will help them root faster just keep trying