A co-worker has a plant in water and is smelling like rotten eggs. What is going on?

Question

A co-worker has a plant in water and is smelling like rotten eggs. What is going on?

Answer 1

Just tell him/her it smells disgusting n see if they take the hint to get rid of it if not tell them its the plant or you lol

Answer 2

The container has gone anaerobic (without oxygen) allowing anaerobic bacteria to grow and breakdown proteins containing sulfur releasing hydrogen sulfide gas, the rotten egg odor!  Very likely, some of the deeper roots have died and decayed releasing nutrients that support bacterial growth.  Water holds only a small amount of oxygen compare to the air.

Remedy:  Request the co-worker clean the container and refill with fresh water.  The water should be changed often to improve aeration.  Or, if the co-worker won't do it, then offer to do it for him/her.  Or, buy a cheap aquarium air pump with a length of hose and an airstone bubbler.  The airstone is placed in the container and turned on.  It will increase the amount of oxygen in the water.  Or, throw the whole mess out when the co-worker isn't around!

Answer 3

Two possibilities:

1. the water that the plant is in has become contaminated with sulfur-producing microorganisms.

2. Your co-worker is raising a skunk cabbage or another stinky member of the Arum family of plants.