I work in an office environment. There is at least one plant which I only know by the name of "money" plant. It's spine is twisted and someone who can only be described as an "idiot" has emptied toner from the photocopier onto the earth container then watered it with the result that the earth is packed hard. I can rectify the planting part but what can I do about the spine of the plant to help straighten it. How will the carbondixoide in the toner affect the roots?

Marlene, the carbon in the toner shpould be inert as far as the roots are concerned (although, I must say that this is not a situation that I have dealt with before). Try to stir up the soil as much as you can without hurting too many roots, and get onto a proper watering schedule and that should be all right.
I don't know quite what you mean by the money plant being 'twisted'. They do actually sell these with three braided into one, and they will grow quite well like that, gradually expanding until they look like a large rope. If it is a single trunk that has a serious bend, look at it carefully first to see if you can regard it as an artistic "effect". If not, and if it is still flexible, try to straighten it and tie it to a stake in two or three places. It should respond over a few months and get back to a more normal look.
By the way, if this is one of the several types commonly sold as a money plant, its name is probably Pachira. Derek

Thanks for your info Derek, I have already dealt with the plant who has the toner problem. I have replanted the one whose spine is not so much twisted but bent at an angle and I will get a support for it. Hopefull it will start to grow upwards as it is a very healthy looking plant apart from the spine. Its more like a questionmark!

With regard to Michelle's question - ie. cutting the spine where the bend is - would this work or would the plant be damaged for life as we would need to re-root it and could kill it off completely.

Any suggestions.

I have had two small money plants for a couple of years and they were growing very well. Because it has been so hot indoors lately, even with a/c, I gave them more water than usual. They are in small clay pots and one of the plants has started losing leaves, although new ones are growing. Am I overwatering them (the other one is okay) and when should I water them anyway. Thanks a lot for your help.