First, you must understand the signs I am showing you. My leaves, normally firm and plump, will feel soft, mushy, and translucent. They may turn yellow or even black and fall off at the slightest touch. This is because my roots, which need oxygen, are drowning in water. The cells in my leaves are bursting from overhydration, and a fungal infection (root rot) is likely beginning to attack my compromised root system. I am not being dramatic; I am suffocating and decaying in the soil you provided.
You must act quickly. Gently remove me from my soggy pot. Be very careful, as I am extremely fragile right now. Shake off all the wet soil from my roots. Now, inspect my root ball carefully. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan. Rotted roots will be dark brown or black, slimy, and will easily pull away. They may have a unpleasant, musty smell. This rot must be completely removed to save me.
Using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears (sterilize them with rubbing alcohol first!), carefully cut away all the soft, rotten roots. You must be ruthless but precise. Cut until you see only healthy, firm tissue. If the rot has traveled up my stem, you must also cut away any black or mushy part of the stem until the cross-section shows clean, green, or white flesh. This is a traumatic process for me, but it is the only way to stop the infection from spreading and claiming my entire being.
After the surgery, I am vulnerable and my wounds are open. You must not repot me immediately. Place me in a shaded, well-ventilated area with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight. Let my roots and stem callous over completely. This process is not optional; it typically takes anywhere from a few days to a week. A hard, dry callus will form over the cuts, which acts as a barrier against new fungal attacks when I am eventually repotted.
Once I am fully calloused, it is time for a new beginning. Plant me in a brand new, dry, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. You can even add extra perlite or pumice for better drainage. The pot must have a drainage hole—this is non-negotiable. Do not water me immediately! The temptation to hydrate me will be strong, but my new roots need time to settle and seek out moisture. Wait at least one week, or until I show signs of new growth, before giving me a very modest drink.
To prevent this from happening again, you must change how you care for me. I am a desert dweller by nature. My watering needs are minimal. Always check the soil before watering; it must be completely dry all the way through the pot. When you do water, water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage hole, but then ensure I never sit in a saucer of water. Provide me with plenty of bright, indirect light and good airflow. This is the environment in which I will not just survive, but truly thrive.
