EXEC: create a new openshift application.
EXEC: "Edit" your application which shows you a dialog that allows you to add/remove cartridges
EXEC: hit Embed None and all cartridges are unchecked
EXEC: hit Finish
Result:
Nothing is done, no cartridges are removed from your application.
The very same applies to Embed All . Both buttons check/unckeck visually only. They both have no effect on the cartridges that shall be added/removed