Why we don't use stock photos
- Lynn Adkison
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 30
As a self-proclaimed crazy plant lady, I spend a lot of time browsing. I’m dreaming about my next "wishlist" addition, comparing prices, and marveling at the sheer variety out there. But every time I log on, I’m startled by the sheer number of "perfect" plants I see. It’s almost clinical.
It kills me because it creates this false impression that every plant you purchase should look "just so"—zero blemishes, perfectly symmetrical, and looking like it was 3D-printed rather than grown. The reality? Nature is rarely that tidy. While all my plants are healthy and happy, many have those little imperfections that, to me, are the entire allure. Unlike mass-produced decor, these plants have unique stories—much like we do. They aren't just a stock photo of what a plant "should" look like; they are living, breathing individuals.
The Mission of Curation
At Curated Cuttings, I’ve made it my mission to hand-select every single piece of inventory. My "greenhouse" (which, let’s be honest, is a very busy spare room in my house!) is a mix of journeys. Some were rescued from a big-box clearance shelf, others were carefully raised from TC clusters, and some are cuttings from my own perfectly imperfect specimens.
Every plant is unique, and every one of them is stunningly beautiful in its own right. But more importantly, each plant I curate is resilient. They’ve lived through things. They’ve acclimated, grown, and stabilized. That "history" makes them the best candidates to survive the transition into your home. They aren't "greenhouse pampered" to the point of fragility; they’re toughened up and ready for real-world living.
A Tale of Two (or Ten) Alocasias
Even when plants have the exact same start in life, they refuse to be identical. Take our Alocasia cucullata pups, for example. Their "mom" was a big-box clearance find. These pups grew naturally in the pot right alongside her. I separated them with surgical care, giving each its own space to thrive.
Despite coming from the same mother, in the same soil, under the same Georgia sun, and within the same four walls, no two pups look exactly the same. You can see what I mean by looking at our current Alocasia cucullata inventory. One might have a bolder curve to the leaf, while another stands a bit taller. That isn't a flaw—it’s a personality.
Redefining the "Representative Sample"
The "interwebs" will tell you that people hate buying plants with a "representative sample" disclaimer. I’d argue that almost everyone buying online is doing exactly that, whether the seller admits it or not.
At Curated Cuttings, a representative sample is a promise of health, not a shortcut. It means you are getting a unique, hand-selected plant that meets my high standards. It might not be the exact one in the photo, but it will be its healthy, vibrant sibling. Every living specimen is unique, and that’s what makes collecting so fun.
Why Our Quantities are Small
You’ll notice our inventory numbers are usually low. There’s a reason for that: I won’t sell you something I’m worried about. If a plant doesn't thrive once it leaves my care, I promise I’m going to feel worse about it than you are. You can blame my "older sibling" syndrome or my perfectionist tendencies, but the goal of this venture has always been to share my love of tropicals with my friends and neighbors—not just to move volume.
Let’s Chat
If you see something on one of our hand-selected tropicals that gives you pause, or if you just want to know more about a specific variety, please reach out! I love talking shop.
Answering your questions is a top priority for me. The best way to get a hold of me is via email at curatedcuttingsga@gmail.com. I can’t always promise a 24-hour turnaround (the plants keep me busy!), but I can promise I’ll give you an honest, neighborly answer.
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