From my perspective, the first step to being saved is for you to notice my silent cries for help. I cannot speak, so I communicate through my leaves and stems. When my roots are drowning in excess water, they begin to rot and can no longer deliver moisture and nutrients to the rest of my body. You will see my lower, oldest leaves becoming translucent, soft, and mushy. They may turn a yellow or brown color and fall off at the slightest touch. My stem might also feel soft and look black or brown instead of a healthy green or firm texture. I am essentially suffocating and decaying, and I need immediate intervention to survive.
The most critical action is to get me out of the wet environment immediately. Gently lift me from my pot, being careful not to break my already stressed leaves. Now, examine my roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan. Rotted roots will be dark brown or black, slimy, and will easily fall apart when touched. This rot is a fungal infection that will spread if not stopped. You must carefully remove all the soggy, dead soil from around my roots and then, using sterile scissors or pruners, cut away every single rotten root. Be ruthless; any rot left behind will continue to kill me. Only my firm, healthy roots should remain.
After the traumatic surgery, I am vulnerable and need time to heal. I require a period of complete dryness. Place me in a shaded, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Let my roots and stem callus over for several days, typically between three to seven days. This process allows the cut ends to form a protective scar, which is essential for preventing new infections when I am repotted. Do not rush this step. My survival depends on this callus forming a strong barrier against the soil and any potential pathogens it contains.
Once my roots are fully calloused, I am ready for a new beginning. My new pot is crucial; it must have ample drainage holes. My old soil, which likely retained too much moisture, must be discarded. Repot me in a fresh, gritty, fast-draining succulent or cactus mix. You can even make your own by mixing regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand. When placing me in the new pot, be gentle with my tender roots. Do not water me immediately. I need about a week to settle into my new home and for my roots to begin seeking moisture, which encourages new growth.
My relationship with water has changed forever. You must now adopt a "soak and dry" method. Only water me when my soil is completely dry all the way through. To check, stick your finger or a wooden skewer deep into the soil. When it is time, water me thoroughly until water flows freely from the drainage holes, then ensure I never sit in a saucer of standing water. The frequency will depend on the season; I need much less water during my dormant period in winter. Learn to read my plump, firm leaves—they are the best indicator of my perfect hydration.
