So, I just had a nightmare situation where a cleaning person dumped a bunch of soapy water that reeked of bleach off the balcony above mine, and now my plants are likely in trouble! I've got a large rosemary plant, a gardenia, a Norfolk island pine, and some fuchsia in window boxes and pots on my balcony. While I was on a work video call, I heard water pouring into the gutters outside my window and could instantly smell the bleach. What steps can I take to save my plants? The fuchsia is probably a lost cause since it's locked to the railing and got the most bleach water. I managed to move the others out of the way quickly, but they still got splashed. Any advice on how to salvage them would be greatly appreciated! Sending out good vibes as I prepare to confront the cleaning person responsible for this mess.
2 Answers
Man, that’s rough! If you can, try repotting the ones that got hit the hardest. Just take them out, give them a good rinse, and get them into fresh soil. It’s probably safer for them that way! I’ve heard of similar stories happening, and plants can recover, so don’t lose hope. Good luck!
Wow, that’s infuriating! Who even thinks it’s okay to dump bleach water like that? As for your plants, the best move is to rinse the soil thoroughly with clean water. Try to flood the soil and let clean water run through to dilute the bleach. This should help wash out some of the harmful chemicals. Just make sure to keep an eye on them for the next few weeks. If the fuchsia doesn’t make it, at least the others have a chance!
Yeah, and don’t forget to fertilize later since rinsing will wash out nutrients too!
Thanks! I’ll definitely give repotting a shot. My rosemary has been with me for nearly a decade—there’s no way I’m losing it now!