Is this E. hamata etiolated?

Hi there, I was hoping for some advice on caring for this guy. I was gifted him as a cutting about a year ago. His pot is outside on the northeast side of my house. I live in the desert southwest (zone 9) and it’s very hot and arid here. When I moved him to an area of brighter sunlight he drops all his leaves. I feel like he might need more light but don’t know if the leaf drop is normal or not.