I love your positivity Leatherback! Thanks to the assistance I’ve received, I do not consider this a failure, but a lesson. I just ordered some soil with a grain size similar to your description. Thank you so much!

Yes, that mix looks too dry and coarse for a new plant. It rooted successfully, so the only mistake here was letting it dry out! With a different potting mixture that retains more moisture, plus more frequent watering and misting throughout the day, you should grow some good specimens.

Thank you Buffy Fan for your help and encouragement!