Question
My boyfriend had a small kitchen fire - a pan of hot oil was smoking and when he tried to quickly move it, oil spilled on the flame and apparently there was thick smoke throughout the kitchen.  That was on Tuesday.  The next day my beloved house plants were completely traumatized.  I don't know what kind of plants they are - they are basic plants that you see everywhere, one type is like a spider plant and the other has leaves that grow like a vine, but aren't ivy.  Anyway, every single leaf is completely drooped, blacker than brown and I don't know what to do.  Is there anything I can do to help them?  I'm devastated and can't find information on this anywhere.  They were gorgeous, full, healthy plants and now they're completely sick.  Do you have any advice for me?

Answer
Hi Heather,

This is certainly an unusual question. I entertain questions about plants being over watered and exposed to cold temperatures, but exposure to hot smoke is unique.

It is hard to say whether it was the high temps or the smoke that caused the damage as both are detrimental to plants. Nonetheless, I suspect it was the smoke more than the temps. If so, there is hope.

Smoke will affect the stomata or breathing apparatus in the leaves and cause them to die back. However, the roots should be protected from the smoke by the soil, so they should be okay as long as they were not exposed to high temperatures. If the roots are still healthy, then they should put out healthy new growth as long as you keep your boyfriend out of the kitchen (Just kidding!)

The damaged leaves will not recover so they should be trimmed off. Reduce your watering, don't repot, and don't fertilize. Be patient.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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