Leaf stems (petioles) turning red or purple is one of the first signs of a deficiency or imbalance. The problem is that it's the first symptom of just about every deficiency or imbalance. Most likely, your pH is off and locking out nutrients, or the plant isn't getting enough of something. As for cloning, you'll have to read up on it... It was pretty difficult for me at first also, so I wouldn't be a good person to tell you about it. ...sorry.
Yes, do a Search, there is masses of stuff on cloning. I have cloned lots of times but still only have 2 out of 3 successful.
Hell, you can search youtube for shit like this...there are freak'n step by step videos on how to do it.... <wonders if he'll even come back to read this thread...hahaha>
Probably not, there are loads of threads that Newbies have started, and never revisited. I think folks here should not be able to start threads until they have made 50 posts.