From our point of view as cacti, rot is a terrifying and suffocating experience. It is not merely a surface issue; it is a systemic collapse. Our tissues, designed to store precious water in arid environments, become waterlogged and begin to decay from the inside out. This is almost always caused by excessive moisture around our roots or in the crown, creating an anaerobic environment where harmful fungi and bacteria thrive. We cannot process this much water, and our cells burst and die, turning soft, discolored, and mushy. The first sign you might see is a change in our color to yellow or black, and a unsettling softness when you touch us.
To save us, you must act with the decisiveness of a surgeon. The first step is to stop the rot's progression by completely removing us from the hostile, wet environment. Gently lift us out of our pot and carefully brush away all the saturated soil from our root system. This allows our roots to breathe and gives you a clear view of the damage. Do not water us again until this entire process is complete. Water is the enemy at this stage.
Now, you must perform a triage. Examine our stem and roots meticulously. Any tissue that is mushy, discolored (brown or black), or smells foul must be removed. Using a clean, sharp knife sterilized with rubbing alcohol, cut away all the rotted parts. You must cut until you see only healthy, firm, green or white tissue. This is a life-saving amputation. If the rot has extended into the main stem, you may have to behead us, saving only the top healthy portion. It is a drastic measure, but it is our only hope.
After the surgery, the wound must be allowed to dry and form a hard callus. This scab is our natural defense barrier, preventing new pathogens from entering the vulnerable inner tissue. Place us in a warm, dry, and shaded area with good air circulation. Do not skip this step or rush it. This process can take from several days to over a week, depending on the size of the cut surface. We are resilient; we know how to seal our wounds given time and the right conditions. Planting us in soil while the wound is still fresh would be a death sentence, as it would immediately re-introduce rot.
Once a firm callus has formed over the entire cut surface, we are ready for a new home. You must provide us with a fresh, sterile, and extremely well-draining potting mix designed specifically for cacti and succulents. The pot must have excellent drainage holes. Plant us just deep enough to stand upright and do not water us immediately. This pause allows our roots to settle and any minor abrasions from repotting to heal, preventing another rot outbreak. Wait for about a week before giving us a very modest drink of water.
