Yes you can root a leafless branch! Look at mine! I cut these from the tree 3 weeks ago. They were small, weak branches so I stuck them in a glass of water not really thinking I would plant them. I was too busy at the time. The water dried out in the glass for a few days so I was gonna throw the twigs out...but then magic happened. One sprouted leaves! The other is coming along, but slower.

Use rooting hormone and sterile blades. I didn't provide bottom heat at first, but it would probably help. I also wouldn't recommend using the glass of water method, I just did that in a pinch - but it did surprisingly work!

Meyer lemon cuttings are pretty strong. I was amazed. Try it out!

I rooted a meiwa kumquat twig and it took about a month to leaf out. It was killed by spider mites otherwise it worked well.

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I did not know how to deal with spider mite and the new leaves were sucked dry. Be prepared as the twigs are very vulnerable at this point of their life

Steve

Also, be aware that leaf-growth is no guarantee that the cutting has actually rooted.

Josh