I had a similar problem with an old fountain, but mine is resin and the weather took care of providing drainage for me (cracks from heat and cold).
My second suggestion was going to be to try to wick out some of the water. Sounds like the washrag did some good. If the mix really is good draining, you should be able to wick out enough, wouldn't you think? But I don't know much about that type of plant. You might want to ask someone over on the Sempervivums forum. Ha ha, one year I rigged up an umbrella over my problem child!
