No, you don't look dumb at all. It can take a lot of questions to figure out a plant problem and even the most experienced gardeners still have casualties
The planting medium is so high in the pot that it would be difficult to give it enough water each time, and the mix has pulled away from the sides which actually suggests not enough water rather than too much. But we need to establish which it is so as not to make the situation worse. Woofie asked a good question. Another one would be does the pot feel light or heavy when you lift it?
