The patience point is real. First-time propagators often expect fast results and give up on cuttings that are actually fine, just slow. Setting a reminder to check weekly instead of daily removes a lot of unnecessary stress.

One thing I'd add: pairing propagation with a grow light makes a big difference in winter months when natural light is weak. Even a basic one helps cuttings root faster. For display, once they're established, pairing them with the right plant stand makes a huge difference — good airflow and elevation help. There are some nice modular options reviewed at https://superiorhydrola.com/wood-plant-stand that work well for propagation setups.

How to soak a palm sapling properly
Time it correctly: Three hours is a safe duration for soaking a rooted sapling. Soaking for too long (over 8–24 hours) can deprive the roots of oxygen, potentially killing the plant.
Keep the roots moist, not saturated: Ensure that the roots are kept moist during storage. While soaking for a few hours is acceptable, leaving the roots submerged for extended periods can cause them to drown.
Use the right water: Use room-temperature tap water. Some gardeners even recommend adding a small amount of liquid fertilizer to the water to help with the transition.
Avoid sunlight: Keep the sapling out of direct sunlight while it is soaking.