Tropicals & Tender Perennials: And now a rooting question..., 1 by 4elements

4elements wrote:
Kaneohe Sunburst stick. Planted June 1 here in FL. Same manner as all my other sticks (now in all stages of leaves and inflows...)

This poor guy. No leaves, nothing. Well, there appears to be little leaf buds, 2 of them, about 3 days ago. Now those buds are black and shriveled up.The stick even seems a bit "smooshie" and wrinkly. It came a bit "wrinkly", but now appears moreso. So I dug it out of its pot, and took a photo. My questions:

1. Why?
2. Do I need to cut the tip end off that was in the medium and let it dry some before replanting?
3. Same planting system when replanting? Superthrive, then Rootone?
4. Any chance at salvaging?

Thanks for your help. Not discouraged b/c all my others are doing so well. maybe it is the Kaneohe Sunburst-is it difficult?