In dirt you wait for the top to get greener and visibly start growing,no way to dig them and see the roots:)You can use the smallest plastic pots available.
Clonex gel can't be applied twice(but they have other products to soak the medium i think) but you can add some beneficial rooting bacteria later with watering....
Mine were 8 days old on the pic in peat(unfortunately i found this particular peat is pre loaded with some ferts which is not good,you need lite,airy soil mix),LOTS of perlite +"root better"which are the beneficial bacteria in my case.I didnt use gel.
Keep them in wet,shaded place for a while,better dont move them so they can root easily.People use boxes to keep the humidity around them while they are rooting.