Clint, sorry, but I do not consider a semp offset to be a cutting. It is a complete, independent plant and has been designed by nature to be that way. Where semps are concerned, I consider a cutting to be a divided rosette, such as one cut in half or quarters. These will root and regenerate as well, but few people actually do that to propagate (or even know that will work for semps). Obviously, we have a terminology difference here, but I am not accustomed to hearing people label semp offsets as cuttings. Perhaps this is cultural or geographic difference at work here.

I checked the NH website and they indicated there that they would ship rooted plants where possible. I know that when I trade plants, there are frequently requests for plants or varieties for which I have to make the decision to either ship a small offset or to disappoint... In those cases, I always try to ship the plant, even if it is a single, small offset. My reasoning is that it is better to send something that somebody wants, than to disappoint. Especially with rare or new plants, I believe it is better to get them in the hands of multiple people - less chance of losing the variety that way. I do get your point about NH being a business, but most of the semp dealers I have come to know anything about began and continue to specialize in semps as a labor of love. They would send you bigger if available.

Another thing that could be at work here is that your order occurred (I believe) during the winter. Semps are not actively growing here during our sub-zero winters. I have noticed that plants vary greatly in size depending on time of year ordered.

NH is a DG Top 5 vendor and has a strong guarantee. If you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact them. They will make you happy. I have had personal experience with NH, SMG and Edelweiss Perennials and all were wonderful to deal with. There has been a wide variety in the size of what was received, even from the same vendor. I marked this up to the nature of the plant, how much was it was in demand, etc. In at least one case, I pleaded for a start of a variety that was listed as out of stock and they found a way to fulfill the request. They are all great people to deal with.

Thank you twit. Great explanation of the difference between offsets and cuttings.
Also the explanation on why some plants are sent in multiples and some just one or two offsets. My first order with NHN was place for a Jan delivery, and yes they were still winter dormant when they arrived. Sure didn't take them long to start growing in our warmer PNW Jan. & Feb.
It also didn't take me long to place another order with NHN, as I was so pleased with the resulting young plants that went on to produce offsets the very first year.

Clint, I can understand your point. Like I said before it seems unusual, but can't verify this since I haven't ordered from NHN before. Hopefully for 4 bucks you got several "cuttings" of each plant type

When I refer to "cutting" that means the plants aren't established plants yet. They have very little, if any roots and the plants are very small. Several of them aren't even shaped like the plant is supposed to be shaped. Some of them are still the little ball-shaped offsets. To me an offset that would be ready to be sold for 4 dollars is one that has been in contact with the soil for a good while and taken root and is ready to be severed from the parent plant. There is a reason why they are connected. I believe it's kind of like an "umbilical" cord for them to use until they have their own roots. I didn't want a premature Semp baby!

I wasn't meaning to be griping about the company or offending anyone. I was just wanting to hear what other companies send when you order. Like Simply Succulents or SMG or any other company. Which ones send potted plants? Which ones send "offsets" or "cuttings?"

It is a good thread subject, because its comparing a specific thing. Another reason that I use one company over another is proximity to me, and if they have the specific semps I'm looking for (even though I have never so far just ordered what I said I was going to the website to order!)

Don't get me wrong...I will get these little offsets to live if it kills me. I am putting them under the patio at night and moving them to a sunny spot during the day. They are being incubated so to speak. I'm so scared they will get rained on too much and rot. I will probably order more before long. I'm thinking of starting a fuzzy Semp collection next!

Clint, I don't think these guys will mind the rain...the fuzzy ones though will probably be more finicky at first!
I'm totally a semp saver, most people would toss the little guys, but it doesn't seem like it takes that much extra care (I must say, I'm not moving them in then out then under then over and all like that!)

I'm just being a little over-protective of my little chicks. LOL.

Its very nice! Warms my heart knowing you're being such a good mother hen since they've been taken from their momma's so young!

I see both sides to this story. Good information. I was going to place an order to one of these companies but I think I will wait until May or June. North something it was on the list.

Spring, yes that's North Hills Nursery

That's right. My brain needs sleep. Night

Good night Spring!

No more comments from me on this topic. Let's just say I don't agree about the offsets.