MCG strives to send succulents that are similar to our product photos. We are continually adding new photos to our product pages to illustrate the range of colors seen in our 700+ varieties throughout the seasons -- be sure to look at all the seasonal photos under the main photo on the product pages.
That said, these are living plants and not manufactured goods, so every one will be a little different than the photo. And sometimes colors can change weekly, making it extremely challenging for us to keep the product photo current. But photo accuracy is very important to us, and we'll always do our best to send you plants that meet your expectations.
Please note: For mixes and assortments (e.g. sets and trays), photos are always sample only; the varieties we choose may vary slightly throughout the seasons. We do update photos when a mix's appearance changes significantly.
Color Changing Succulents
Succulents can change colors and shapes depending on the season, sunlight, temperature, or frequency of watering. For many succulents, moderate environmental stress such as drought, cold air, or bright sunlight results in beautiful pigmentation. The succulents we grow are usually moderately stressed to achieve a more attractive appearance. However, many succulents tend to appear greener in late fall and winter because of shorter days and natural dormancy. When grown outdoors, hardy succulents such as Sempervivum and Sedum often show color year-round, though they may not be as bright as peak seasons (usually spring). Many hardy Sedum go full or semi dormant which means fewer leaves and more visible stems.
Shipping Stress
Stress from shipping in a dark box can also slightly change their appearance, resulting in a minor shift to greener or washed out tones. Fortunately, these changes are quickly reversed when the plant is transitioned back into brighter sunlight.