I didn't cut the leaves off, a lot of them fell off cause they were dead or crispy haha...however, any places where there were leaves are being replaced by new leaves growing in. im using schultz potting soil with peat moss, perlite and lime for pH balance and its been working well thus far. here's just a pic to show what it used to look like....but anyway i have faith and hope it'll grow back but i know it will take some time