I've never rooted lilacs, so I don't know about them, but don't give up. I've often had cuttings lose all their leaves and then grow new leaves. It often takes awhile before the new leaves appear.

I understand about vacations, but for future reference, it seems to be difficult for plants to make the transition from water to soil. Also, when you root in water, it's important to keep the water clean.

Thank you so much for your very helpful information. I won't give up yet! And next time, I will just root in soil from the very beginning. I did keep the water very clean, so at least I got that right!

Thanks again. I will let you know how it turns out.

TAKE CUTTINGS OF FIRM NEW GROWTH... APPLY 0.3 TO 0.8% IBA (ROOTING HORMONE) STICK IN WELL DRAINED SOIL & MIST TAKING 30-90 DAYS TO ROOT

Thank you! I will get some rooting hormone right away. I hope it will work!

Question: How do I know if they have rooted and what do I do with them then? I need instructions on transplanting it as I have it in Vermiculate and don't know if I need to shake it off or include that when I plant it. It has been thirty something days. By the way I have only had to water them once the whole time so I highly recommend using vermiculate and it was only $3 at Lowes for a fairly big bag. I hear that lilacs are one of the easiest to propagate so they are my first. So far they are not dead....

Dig a hole twice the size of the pots, fill 1/2 way with compost and good soil. Water well. Then remove your plants from the pots gently. Place the plant at the same level it was in the pot and fill in with soil and compost. WATER then MULCH.