Just realized I wasted $60 on a 'rare' succulent that was just a painted cactus

Sean Lewis · 2026-04-02T03:00:06.878638+00:00

Saw this cool blue cactus at a plant fair last year and the seller said it was a special hybrid. Turns out it was just a regular one spray painted, and it died after a few months. Felt pretty dumb for not checking it over better. Anyone else get tricked by a fake plant sale?

fiona7374mo ago

...and that’s exactly what happened to me with a "black orchid" I bought off Etsy two years ago. Turned out it was just a regular phalaenopsis dipped in black ink. The ink started fading after a week and the whole thing rotted from the roots up. I was so mad I left a review with photos, but the seller just deleted their store and popped up under a new name. Now I only buy plants from actual nurseries where I can poke the soil and smell the leaves.

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jessicad986mo ago

That's a bummer, but you can't always spot a fake from a quick look.

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rivera.simon6mo ago

Check the base of the plant for paint drips or weird texture. Sellers get sneaky but the bottom usually gives it away. It's a hard lesson but you'll spot fakes easier now.

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