I don't usually like rooting in water, either, but it should be noted that this species of hibiscus are bog plants. So they are even more suited to this than most. At the very least, soil moisture and humidity staying high is probably a good thing. But they are also sun plants, so I wouldn't put them in total (deep) shade. Bright shade is probably good.
I've been successful with a few cuttings, but my stock plants are pretty small yet to do more than that.