They have been selling it for a while now (2-3 months) originally it was $6.99 a packet but it seems they have sold a ton and ive noticed they are $8.99 now !
Mine has been so far. Sometimes the stuff in our store looks a little slimy, but I think any plant that sits in plastic at room temperature is going to eventually get a little on the gooey side.It looks pretty healthy too!