Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are popular houseplants, often moved outdoors during warmer months. This raises a common concern: whether local deer populations might view them as a food source. This article addresses the likelihood of deer browsing on spider plants and provides strategies for protecting your garden plants from deer activity.
Do Deer Eat Spider Plants
Deer generally do not prefer to eat spider plants. These common houseplants are considered deer-resistant, meaning they are low on a deer’s list of preferred browse. While no plant is entirely “deer-proof,” especially when food sources are scarce, spider plants are seldom damaged or eaten by deer. Deer are opportunistic feeders and may sample almost any vegetation if other options are limited due to drought or high population density.
Why Deer Usually Avoid Spider Plants
Deer typically avoid spider plants due to characteristics that make them unappealing. The texture and taste of spider plant foliage are often described as unpalatable to deer. Unlike some plants that offer a sweet or appealing flavor, spider plants do not provide the nutritional incentive deer seek in their diet. Deer tend to gravitate towards tender, easily digestible vegetation, and the leaves of spider plants do not fit this preference. This inherent lack of appeal makes spider plants a reliable choice for gardens in areas with deer, as they are less likely to be disturbed compared to more palatable plant species.
Protecting Your Plants From Deer
Even with deer-resistant plants like spider plants, general protection methods are beneficial in deer-prone areas. Physical barriers offer the most effective deterrent, with fences being a primary option. An eight-foot-tall fence can effectively deter deer, though even a five to six-foot fence can work if designed to create a psychological barrier. Netting or wire cages can also protect individual plants or smaller garden beds.
Deer repellents can also be employed, working through taste or scent to discourage browsing. These products often contain ingredients like rotten eggs, garlic, or predator urine, which deer find unpleasant. For sustained effectiveness, repellents typically require reapplication, especially after rain, as deer can become accustomed to them. Strategic planting of highly aromatic herbs, such as lavender, mint, or chives, around more vulnerable plants can further deter deer by masking appealing scents. Combining several of these methods often yields the best results in managing deer activity in your garden.