Hello. I am your Lithops. You may know me as a "living stone." Right now, I am not living well. My normally firm, pebble-like body feels soft, mushy, and translucent. I am squishy to the touch, like an overripe tomato. My vibrant colors are fading into a sickly yellow or white. I may even be splitting open at the sides when it is not my natural season to do so. This is not a sign of growth; it is a cry for help. The excess water you gave me has filled my tissues beyond capacity. My cells are bursting, and I am starting to rot from the inside out. If you do not act quickly, I will turn into a shapeless, smelly puddle.
The first thing you must do is get me out of that swampy prison. Gently tip the pot and ease me out, being careful not to pull on my leaves, as they are incredibly fragile in this state. Once I am free, cradle my root ball and observe the damage. The soil will be soggy and cold. Now, look at my roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or pale. Rotten roots are dark brown or black, slimy, and will likely fall apart at a touch. This rot is a death sentence if it is not removed, as it will spread up into my body.
This step is critical. You must perform a delicate operation. Using sterile scissors or shears, carefully trim away every single rotten root. Do not be timid; any rot left behind will continue its destructive path. You may be left with very few roots, or even just the taproot. That is okay. I can grow new ones if given the chance. Next, you must let my entire body dry. Place me in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Leave me bare-rooted like this for several days to over a week. The wound where you cut the roots must callous over completely. I should feel firm again before proceeding. Do not rush this; patience is the only cure for overwatering.
Once I am fully calloused and no longer soft, it is time to give me a new home. My survival depends on the soil and the pot. You must use a very gritty, fast-draining mix specifically for succulents. A good recipe is at least 80-90% inorganic material like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, with only a tiny amount of potting soil. My new pot must have a large drainage hole. Terracotta pots are excellent because they are porous and help wick away moisture. Gently place me in the new, dry soil, but do not water me. Just let my roots settle in their new, airy environment.
This is the most important change you must make. You cannot water me on a schedule. You must only water me when I show clear signs of thirst. After this trauma, you must not give me a single drop of water for at least a week or two after repotting, sometimes longer. How will you know I am thirsty? My body will begin to wrinkle slightly and feel less firm, and the top will sink inwards. When you see these signs, you can give me a thorough watering, ensuring the water runs freely out of the drainage hole. Then, you must wait until I am completely dry and show thirst again, which could be weeks or even months, especially during my dormant period in summer and winter. My life is in your hands. Please, learn to listen to me.
