Hello Mr. Chosen
PUT clones in rockwool 5 seconds after you cut them and dio them in roting poder/gel
I like a clone with 2 nodes... I make my diagnol cut 1/4 inch below the first set of nodes and then strip the branches and dip the exposed area in rooting powder/gel.. i then make sure that the exposed node area is 1/8 or more inches below the top of the rockwool.
Fan leaves.. yes I leave them.. if you have wilt spray, you will be a CLONING GOD!
If you take clones from the bottom of the plant, you will not loose any buds!!
cheers