Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Success on leaf rooting, 1 by hcmcdole

hcmcdole wrote:
I have found that big leaves (12 inches or bigger) need cutting down for best results. If the leaf is very succulent it may benefit by having the cut end callous over before planting.

Last year when I trimmed the outer 2 to 3 inches of Art Hodes leaves, instead of discarding them I planted them on edge - out of 4 leaves 3 took and made babies. My observation on this was:
1) a stem cutting gave me a good sized plant in no time
2) the leaf with the petiole made babies faster than the outer timmed edge did
3) after a summer of growing you couldn't tell the difference in all 3 different rooted cuttings

I haven't had a lot of luck with the paper towel method because of neglect on my part more than likely - if the leaf roots then I either keep it too wet which can lead to rot or it dries out completely quickly killing the roots and plant. Paper towels also seem to be more prone to mold. Is there anything you add to keep the mold at bay?