yeah, when I got mine, they were browned too. My LFS said they were supposed to be like that, but after a couple months (will probably be less for you if you have sufficient light and ferts) it turned a nice vivid green. They are also hardy plants. I left them in a bucket with no light for about 2 months with almost no light and they were still in pretty good condition. I highly recommend this plant. THey also grow very fast. I didn't do anythign to help it grow and it kept sprouting new leaves