Yeah, it does sound like dried-up peat. The reason commercial growers use this crap in their succulents is exactly to take advantage of this property of peat. That way they can do mass watering and not have to worry about melting their plants because the material no longer absorbs water without prolonged submersion. When they ship the plants, they soak it up to a certain point only since the plants need only survive long enough for someone to buy them. So theoretically you can keep using it if you water the way the commercial nursery does---i.e. maybe once a month, and never ever let it soften up again. Essentially, you have a fast-draining substrate.

I'm just saying it's not impossible, although I would personally replace peat because too many pests like it when it's dry and too many other pests that don't like it when it's dry, love it when it's wet. Once the chemical pesticides from the commercial nursery washes out, you'll just end up with a pot of pest incubator regardless of whether it is wet or dry.

I'm sorry, what was the question? lol

Pagan

Sorry for being unclear. I want to know what I should do to save the plant. I can't get a picture right now but I'll post one later. I mean that the soil is dense enough that the roots can't be seen because it's in the shape of the pot. Yes it is hard to the touch, but it does feel a little cool The soil seems fast draining but it is very dry.

Peat will be hydrophobic when it dries out. What you get is hard clump, that doesn't allow water to penetrate. It doesn't allow any air in either. Roots are encased in this clump - they do not get any water and can't breathe. Sounds like that's what you have:...the soil is dense enough that the roots can't be seen because it's in the shape of the pot...it dried up into a shape it is in. Whatever water you pour in, it just 'slides' around it and drains out, leaving you to think it is fast draining, but roots are not getting any - Karen already ask about this in her post.

When repotting, you need to take this stuff off. It will be most likely difficult, some roots will break off with it. Shake off what you can, then use bamboo skewer or chopstick to help get some more off, and if any left - get a bowl with tepid water and keep swishing the rootball in it. Warm water will help to re-hydrate and soften up the peat a bit. Leaving clump like that around roots and potting it into new mix doesn't help much as the water and air still can't get thru.

Photos will help, pls. post when you can.

Sounds like the potting soil/mix has/had become dry enough( hydrophobic) to form into a pot shape Chances are a hammer might help break the form but to free what little soil compacted root there is will take two things 1) a bit of time 2) water

Note: The rainstorm that your suc experienced, keep in mind that water also follows the path of least resistance which would include the soil hardened area along the pots inner wall

The top looks to be in fairly good shape by the pic but would address the soil while it's out of the pot.

Maybe it's not clear what hydrophobic means -- it is repelling the water, will not absorb any, cannot do so.

That's why the soil must be removed if you wish to save the plant.

Rina explained how to do it, if you pls. follow her suggestions, there's some chance of saving it, but you need to act on it.