It sounds like the plant may be root bound. So much of the container is taken up by roots the media will not retain enogh water to sustain the plant. Get a larger pot, and more potting mix. Repot the plant, and water well. If the leaves fall off the plant should be able to grow more once it recovers from the stress.

I forget the term, but sometimes if the soil is too dry it will reject water and just run right through. centexan's advice is good as it will take care of potential root bound as well as extreme dry soil at the same time.

But if you don't have another pot or appropriate mix handy I would try to soak it in water. Put the pot in a larger bowl and water the plant. Let it sit in the drained water so it will absorb it back into the pot.

good luck, and please keep us updated. It might help someone else down the line.

I think the term is hygroscopic my friend.

The more hygroscopic the soil the more moisture absorbed.

I would suggest a deeo repot so half the stem is covered by soil

Don't water too much and don't use any food until it gets bushier

One way to reverse the over dry, water resistant soil (HYDROPHOBIC) is to fill another, slightly larger container with water and put the plant container in there to soak for an hour or so. Eventually the soil should rehydrate.

If you repot, be careful. I would not break up the root ball at all since the plant is already stressed. Just prepare a larger container with new soil and drop the plant in with the old soil and root ball intact. Then pack the new soil down around it.

Also, keep the plant in shade for the next 4 or 5 days. It isn't in any shape to deal with direct sunlight right now. Indirect sun is great though.

Agree. Bottom water the thing. If you don't see improvement after bottom watering, then it's most likely a root rot issue.