I do not use rooting hormones on any cuttings I take. That said, I do not have a high rooting percentage, but I am not trying to be a production nurseryman. I might get 50%, or less, which is fine. If everything I stuck struck, I would have to become a production nurseryman.
I use perlite, or perlite and old bonsai soil or old bonsai soil. Same as above.