Episcesgirl, I'm still a newbie to cacti/succulents as well but I've got a few Lithops, although I've not had them very long. Honestly, it could be a few different things causing it to become soft. Definitely if you're over watering it, that could cause it (that is the most common cause I believe). But also if you're under watering it. That all depends on how often you're watering it and what your climate is like. Where do you have it located? What's the temperature like? How often do you water? If you can post a pic that would be helpful as well.

Hi Al! I guess the sense of urgency is my desire to keep it alive as well as his slow deterioration since oct 1, when he was given to me. He is now presenting with yellowing leaves, leaf loss, drooping leaves and generally not so green anymore. I totally understand that he needs to adjust to my home as well. If he loses all of his leaves through the winter is that okay? His roots, soil and pot are all sad at best:) I just don't know what else to do to keep this little guy green and stable till Father's Day. The wick and tilting him really have helped. The wood chopstick doesn't seem to help me as well as just pulling him out and really getting a good look and feel of the soil. Thanks again.

If soil is still soggy, remove root/soil mass from pot and set it on a stack of newspaper for an hour or so. Towels or paper bags work, too. Then, get your watering under tight control - only water when the plant clearly needs water. Use a wooden dowel rod sharpened in a pencil sharpener as a "tell". Stick it deep into the soil and "read" it. Water when it is nearly dry when it comes out. Leaves of FLF are known for their foliage not returning to original spatial positions after a bout of wilt. If they don't, and you don't like how it looks - no problem pruning. It will likely force new branching behind the pruning cut. Al

oh my god! this is not even my plant. i was just asking for the name of the scissors. i am not the owner of the fiddle leaf fig that has a rotten root. i had to cut the container because it is a little taller than the decorative pot. around 0.5 inch only. the container is white and the pot is black. for me it looks ugly so I want to cut the top part. why is it so bad? why am i the bad person here?