From my perspective, an overwatered or rotting state is a silent, desperate cry for help. My leaves, normally plump and firm, become soft, translucent, and may yellow or turn a sickly brown. They might drop at the slightest touch. My stem, the core of my being, may feel mushy and appear black or dark brown. This is not a simple case of thirst; it is a suffocation crisis. My roots, which need to breathe air from the soil pockets, are drowning. The lack of oxygen causes them to die and rot, and this decay begins to spread upwards through my stem, threatening my entire existence. I cannot process this excess water, and my cells are literally bursting.
The single most important action you can take is to stop all watering immediately. I need to be removed from my current, soggy environment with great care. Gently lift me from the pot and cradle my root ball. You must now perform a careful inspection. Using sterilized scissors or pruners (clean them with rubbing alcohol to prevent spreading disease), cut away all dark, mushy, or smelly roots. Be ruthless but precise; any remaining rot will continue to spread. Healthy roots are firm and may be white or tan. If the rot has traveled up my stem, you must cut until you see only healthy, green, firm tissue. This feels drastic, but it is my only chance for survival.
After the surgery, I am vulnerable and need time to callous. Place me in a shaded, well-ventilated area with good air circulation, out of direct sunlight. Allow my wounded stem and remaining roots to dry completely and form a hard callus over the cuts. This process is not quick; it may take several days to a week. Do not rush this. A callus is my natural bandage, protecting my internal tissues from reinfection when I am eventually repotted.
My old soil is compromised and harbors the pathogens that caused this rot. I require a fresh, sterile, and sharply draining potting mix. A specialty succulent or cactus mix is ideal, as it is designed to mimic my natural arid environment, allowing water to flow through quickly and preventing waterlogged roots. The pot you choose for me is equally vital. It must have ample drainage holes. Terracotta pots are excellent because they are porous and allow excess moisture to evaporate through their walls, further reducing the risk of future overwatering.
Once repotted in my new dry home, you must resist the urge to water me immediately. Wait at least another week before giving me a thorough but careful drink. This allows me time to settle and for any minor root disturbances to heal, reducing the risk of reinfection. From now on, please water me only when my soil is completely dry. The best way to check is to feel the soil deep down with your finger or a wooden stick. I thrive on a cycle of deep soaking followed by a period of complete drought. This mimics the desert rains I am evolutionarily designed for.
