The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera species) is a popular plant cherished for its vibrant, late-season blooms during the winter holidays. Gardeners often move these tropical plants outdoors during warmer months. A common concern is protecting this prized succulent from local wildlife, especially deer. The central question is whether this holiday plant is attractive enough to be consumed, and what measures can ensure its safety.
The Palatability and Toxicity of Christmas Cactus
The general answer to whether deer eat Christmas Cactus is “rarely,” as the plant is low on the palatability spectrum for white-tailed deer. Horticultural resources categorize the plant as “seldom severely damaged,” meaning deer usually avoid it unless food is scarce. This low appeal is due to its physical characteristics and lack of nutritional value compared to other browse options.
The Christmas Cactus is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants. Its flattened, segmented stems are succulent but fibrous, lacking the tender growth deer prefer. While Schlumbergera lacks sharp spines, its tough, leathery texture deters browsing deer.
The plant is non-toxic to most mammals, including deer, pets, and humans. It does not contain poisonous compounds that would cause systemic harm if ingested. If a deer consumes a large portion, it might experience mild digestive upset due to the fibrous material.
The plant’s lack of appeal is based purely on taste and texture, not on an instinctual avoidance of poison. Since the plant does not pose a threat to the animal’s health, its non-toxic nature will not stop a hungry deer from eating it.
Contextualizing Deer Foraging Behavior
While the Christmas Cactus is not a preferred food, “rarely eaten” does not mean “never eaten.” Deer are opportunistic feeders who primarily browse on tender twigs, shrubs, and forbs. Their diet is heavily influenced by the seasonal availability of preferred food sources. “Desperation browsing” occurs during periods of environmental stress when typical forage is depleted or buried.
Deep or prolonged snow cover, late-season ice, or extreme drought conditions can force deer into a survival mode, causing them to consume plants they would normally ignore. During a harsh winter, deer must conserve energy and will often congregate in sheltered areas, consuming any accessible vegetation, including unpalatable species. Overpopulation in a given area can also lead to a high “browse line,” pushing them to sample less desirable options.
The placement of the Christmas Cactus interacts directly with deer browsing patterns. Gardeners often move these potted plants outdoors to sheltered areas like porches, patios, or under trees during the summer. These locations, especially those near the house, offer an easy, contained food source free from snow cover or deep burial. A deer that is already stressed and venturing close to a dwelling may choose a potted plant simply because it is readily accessible.
Mitigation Strategies for Protecting Potted Plants
Protecting a potted Christmas Cactus requires a multi-layered strategy focused on its containerized nature. The most effective method is relocating the plant during high-risk feeding periods, such as late fall through early spring, when natural forage is scarce. Moving the container to a deck, balcony, or covered porch against the house often deters cautious deer.
When relocation is not feasible, physical barriers offer reliable protection. For a single potted plant, a simple wire cage or a cloche made of fine mesh netting can be placed over the container. This barrier must be tall enough that the deer cannot easily reach the foliage, generally requiring a height of at least three feet.
Repellents are temporary solutions that offend the deer’s sense of smell or taste, requiring consistent reapplication. Scent-based repellents, often containing putrescent egg solids, should be applied to the foliage and surrounding area every few weeks and after heavy rain. Rotate between taste-based and scent-based repellents to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent.
Gardeners can also utilize motion-activated deterrents, such as sprinklers that trigger a burst of water when a deer approaches. For the best results, use a combination of methods. This layered approach creates an environment confusing and unappealing enough to encourage the deer to move on to easier forage.