at this point...

you wait an see if it buds out ...

do NOT fertilize it.. it is not hungry.. it is stressed ...

keep it properly watered.. dont drown it with too much love ...

in a few months.. if it leafs out .... then we can prune off dead stuff ...

by fall we might be able to start some training via pruning.. to get it back in shape ..

and i highly recommend that you get a good plant to learn with [any type] .... i always want to encourage peeps new to gardening.. and get frustrated when they start with some project.. that most of us would not try ... since the odds are so against us ...

just remember.. unlike a lot of houseplants.. trees do not like to be heavily watered ... but for sure.. never as dry as you found it ... tree roots rot when kept too damp ....

the odds are low.. but dont give up.. if you fail ... but do try some easier stuff ...

good luck

ken

Thanks for the info & encouragement, Ken. I have purchased and been gifted several other plants that are in good shape, I guess I just felt up for a challenge with this one and couldn't pass it by for $1. I'm not the most patient person by nature, so that's the hard part :)