Klosset,
When you cut a stem the plant continues to draw water (transpire) up the stem via the water conducting elements, xylem. By doing this the pant draws air into the xylem. When you put the cut stem back It water it cannot draw more water because the air bubble introduced. Damage done. It isn’t a question of creating a “hole” these are herbaceous plants not woody like an Oak. Although I am amazed at the fiber structure in cannabis. Point is the plant can draw water laterally. Especially true with fresh new tissue. This is precisely the reason why a stem being vegetatively propagated is incubated with some tent or cover over the leaves. That is done to reduce the water gradient between the leaf and atmosphere, reduces stress on the plant - no water shortage while roots are being formed stimulated by G3.
Last point, make sure you are rooting in a good organic matter medium, rich and dark. You want a medium that can hold water. Avoid lots of vermiculite.
In the spring I’ll buy a couple of 10” pots filled with basil. I the cut each apical stem dip the cut ends in G3 powder and stick that in some rooting medium. Never had problem. Loads of basil.
You gotsta do what let’s you sleep at night. But the gel is not helping you propagate successfully.
Zill.
