I have never got to see this plant in real life

Plant outside in San Diego, some great specimens at the San Diego Zoo. ;) sorry.

They always defoliate here so assuming they want brighter light and higher humidity than is found in most homes.

If you haven't noticed them wilting from dry soil - odds are very high the problem is over-watering. I grew one for several years in a shallow container on our kitchen table (low humidity) in front of a south and a west window - both had some kind of prissy curtains on it ..... so in medium light, I'd say. It was a little leggier than it should have been, but I wasn't partial to that particular plant because of the compound leaves (not a bonsai candidate), so I gave it away. They are pretty easy and forgiving, so there is some part of the puzzle missing - most probably a soil or nutritive issue.

Al

DH says this is his favorite plant of my collection, and I love it too. When outside, it goes in full sun. Like most trees, eager to grow new leaves if the old ones get mites, too dry, sun burned, or frost bitten (yes, voice of experience.) If this winter ever ends, maybe you could put it outside.