From my perspective, it feels like I am drowning. My roots, which are designed to seek out moisture in warm, gritty soil, are instead completely submerged. The air pockets in the soil that I and my beneficial soil microbes need to breathe have been completely filled with water. I am suffocating. Without oxygen, my root cells cannot function properly. They begin to break down, becoming soft, brown, and mushy. This is a condition you call "root rot." As my roots die, they can no longer absorb water or nutrients, creating a cruel irony: I am dying of thirst and starvation while surrounded by water.
First, you must stop watering me immediately. This is the most critical step. Next, gently lift me from my waterlogged pot. Be careful with my roots, as they are very fragile and damaged right now. Carefully examine my root system. Healthy roots should be firm and white or light tan. Use sterile scissors to trim away any roots that are brown, black, slimy, or mushy. This feels like a necessary amputation to stop the decay from spreading. If the damage is extensive, you can also take healthy stem cuttings to propagate a new plant, as I am very good at growing from cuttings.
Do not put me back into the old, soggy soil. It is a dangerous environment for me. Please choose a new pot that has excellent drainage holes—the more, the better. My new soil must be a very well-draining mix. A cactus or succulent potting mix is perfect for me, as it mimics my preferred dry, gritty natural habitat. You can even make your own by mixing regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand. When you repot me, be gentle with my remaining healthy roots. Place me in the new pot and fill it with the fresh, dry mix, but do not water me yet.
After the trauma of repotting, I need time to callous over any cuts on my roots and begin to recover. Place me in a bright, warm location with good air circulation, but out of intense, direct sunlight for a day or two as I am very stressed. The most important part of this phase is to withhold water. I know it seems counterintuitive, but I need my new soil to be completely dry for a period. This gives my roots a chance to heal and signals them to start searching for moisture and growing again. Wait at least 4-7 days before even thinking about a small drink.
I am a drought-tolerant plant. My fleshy leaves store water for dry periods. Please learn my language. The best way to water me is the "soak and dry" method. When I am ready for water, my soil will be completely dry to the touch, and my pot will feel very light. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water flows freely from the drainage holes. This ensures my entire root system gets a good drink. Then, empty the saucer underneath me immediately—I never want to sit in water. Most importantly, wait until I am completely dry again before repeating the process.
