One can root cuttings directly in medium, and I frequently do. I can't imagine they don't have a phase that they look exactly like this during all that. Just don't let it get too swampy before they're noticeably drinking.
I moved it into moistened soil, and it wilted a short time later. It is wilted in it's pot right now. I am hopeful it will recover with time, I'm guessing I needed to acclimate it more or harden it off somehow?
Should I be doming this thing after moving into soil next time, then slowly weaning it on and off maybe?