Hello. You havnt done anything wrong so dont stress.

Without roots there is no way for it to support the leaves so go ahead and cut them off. They donthelp the plant make new roots like some other plants that get propagated by cuttings so they arent needed.
If you have a way to give it good morning sun and shade during the hottest parts of the day that will help it from burning up but really they are very tuff plants.
Have patience and keep it dry until you have a couple new leaves formed.

Mike

thank you so much!! i was sure i killed it lol. i was trying to think of a way to explain how i managed to kill her gift in less than 24 hours. i will take your advice and see how it goes. thanks again.

Mike knows his stuff!

Hi!
sorry for hijacking your thread but I have a similar question.
I got some plumies from a friend from Thailand.
Some have roots and leaves and some no roots but still leaves.
1. Is it bad to try it anyway to root it with the leaves on? I left 2 on the plant.
2. The steam is a little bit too soft. Is this a sign of dehydration or did it get too much hydration?

Thanks for your help.

Hi Andy - if the cutting has leaves but no roots I would cut the leaves off. It helps minimize dehydration in the plant.

Has the cutting with the soft stem been potted up or did you receive it that way? It could be either dehydration or too much moisture depending on what the cutting has been through. Is it potted up now?