Specimen vs. Representative Plant

Ever wondered if the plant you receive will look like the pictures online?

Each plant we grow at Florae is unique. Even the same species can have variations in size, color, and morphology. To make expectations clear, we mark each plant as either a Specimen or a Representative Plant. But what does that mean?

Specimens are specific plants available for sale.

  • If you buy a specimen, you will receive the exact plant you see photographed online.
  • Each specimen has a specimen number.
  • All specimen plants are issued an identification tag, which includes the specimen number listed in the product name. When the plant is shipped, the tag will be included to verify the specimen’s authenticity.
  • Specimens are generally more expensive than representative plants.

Plants are always growing and we frequently remove dead leaves and pitchers. Because of this, the specimen may look slightly different from what you see online. Nevertheless, it is the exact same plant!

Example of a specimen plant with an identification tag.

Representative plants are interchangeable plants available for sale.

  • There are slight variations from plant to plant in size, color and shape. So, we select the nicest plant we have available.
  • If you don’t see a specimen number explicitly stated, then the plant is a representative plant.
  • Representative plants are generally less expensive than specimen plants.

If you’re ever aren’t satisfied with a plant you receive, please contact us at [email protected].

What about Early Access plants?

We sometimes sell plants as “Early Access.” This means a plant has been in our care for only 1-2 months, and will be less “showy” than what we normally sell. They have fewer pitchers and may have one or two damaged leaves.

It’s important to note that all Early Access plants still receive the Live Plant Guarantee!

Early Access plants are intended for experienced growers. They are not as hardy as what we typically sell and will require proper growing conditions to be properly acclimated. If you aren’t sure you can grow the plant, we recommend not buying it.