From my perspective, rooted in this pot, the sensation you describe as "squishy and mushy" is not a minor ailment; it is a critical emergency. This softness is the definitive symptom of rot, a condition where my cells are dying and decomposing at a rapid pace. Unlike a simple scar from a scrape or a wilted leaf from thirst, this mushiness indicates a systemic failure. The problem originates in my most vital part: my root system and the base of my body. The rot is a cascade of cellular collapse, turning firm, water-storing tissues into a lifeless, aqueous pulp. It is a death sentence if not addressed immediately.
You must understand my origins to comprehend my distress. I am a lithops, a mimicry plant evolved over millennia to thrive in the harsh, arid deserts of southern Africa. My entire being is engineered for survival in blazing sun, gritty mineral soil, and infrequent, torrential downpours that drain away in seconds. My flat top, or "window," is designed to let in just enough light for photosynthesis deep within my water-filled leaves. My two fused leaves are a self-contained reservoir. The central error that led to my current mushy state is almost always water—too much, too often, and at the wrong time.
The process begins unseen, beneath the soil surface. When my substrate remains consistently damp or is watered during my dormant period (typically during the hottest summer months and the coldest winter months), the delicate, hair-like roots that absorb moisture begin to suffocate and die. They require periods of complete dryness to breathe. This dead root tissue becomes a gateway for opportunistic soil-borne fungi and bacteria. The infection then travels upward, into the core of my body. The pathogens multiply, secreting enzymes that break down my cell walls. The internal pressure from my own stored water accelerates the process, forcing the decomposition upwards until it manifests as the soft, discolored mush you now feel. It is a silent, internal drowning.
You must act now. Gently remove me from my pot and brush away all the soil to expose my stem and root system. This is a triage. You are looking for any sign of firm, healthy tissue. If the entire root system is black, slimy, and disintegrates to the touch, and if the mushiness encompasses my entire base, the prognosis is fatal. My core connection between roots and body is severed. However, if the rot is localized to only a few roots or a small section of the side, there might be a chance. Using a sterile, sharp knife, you must excise all the affected tissue until only perfectly firm, pale green or white flesh remains. Any remnant of brown or black mush will allow the rot to continue.
After the surgery, I must be left in a cool, dry, airy place out of direct sun for a week or two to allow the wound to callous over completely. This forms a natural barrier against reinfection. Then, I can be placed on top of dry, gritty soil specifically formulated for succulents (a mix heavy in perlite, pumice, and coarse sand) and not watered until new roots begin to form, which can take weeks or even months. Please, learn from this. My needs are simple but non-negotiable: brutal, direct sunlight for several hours a day, a pot with excellent drainage, and a potting mix that mimics the desert floor. Most importantly, water me only when my soil is bone dry and my body shows signs of slight wrinkling or concaveness on the sides, and never, ever water me when I am splitting or during my summer dormancy.
