From my perspective, the first sign of trouble is a subtle but desperate cry for help. You might notice my leaves, once firm and glossy, becoming soft, limp, and yellowing, often starting at the lower leaves. I may drop leaves unexpectedly to conserve energy. The most telling sign is at my base; my stems might feel soft and mushy. This isn't a simple case of thirst; it is the beginning of a suffocation crisis happening to my root system, my very lifeline. The excess water you provided has filled all the air pockets in the soil, and my roots cannot breathe.
To save me, you must act with the care of a surgeon. Gently lift me from my waterlogged pot. My roots are vulnerable. Carefully wash away the soggy soil under a gentle stream of lukewarm water to get a clear view of the damage. Healthy roots on a Rubber Fig are firm and white or light tan. The roots affected by rot will be brown or black, feel mushy and slimy to the touch, and may fall apart easily. This rot is a fungal disease thriving in the anaerobic conditions you are rescuing me from.
This is the most critical step for my survival. Using sharp, sterile pruning shears or scissors, you must meticulously trim away all the soft, rotten roots. Sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol between each cut to prevent spreading the disease to my healthy tissues. Be ruthless but precise; any remaining rot will spread. Leave only the firm, healthy roots. This drastic measure, while traumatic, is my only chance. After the amputation, you can help my recovery by dipping my remaining healthy root system in a fungicide solution or a hydrogen peroxide mix (1 part 3% peroxide to 3 parts water) to kill any lingering fungal spores.
Do not return me to my old soil, as it is contaminated. I need a fresh, well-draining home. Choose a new pot that is clean and has ample drainage holes; it can even be slightly smaller than the previous one since you have removed a portion of my root mass. The new soil mix must be airy and fast-draining. A blend specifically for succulents or a mix of standard potting soil with plenty of perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand is ideal. This new environment will allow my remaining roots to access both the water and the oxygen I desperately need to recover.
After repotting, do not water me immediately. My wounded roots need a few days to callous over and heal; watering right away could cause them to rot again. Place me in a location with bright, indirect light. I am weak and my foliage is reduced, so I cannot handle intense, direct sun which will scorch me. Water me only when the top few inches of soil are completely dry. Going forward, the best way to care for me is to check the soil moisture with your finger before watering, ensuring I am thirsty rather than drowning. With careful, attentive post-operative care, I will begin to channel my energy into regenerating a strong, healthy root system and eventually, new growth.
