They come in their plastic nursery pots with a little sticker telling you what their scientific name is & they are real, living plants.
Naomi is correct, the easiest way to remove soil from your cacti would be with a soft paint brush. Also, when you first water your cacti that should help remove any remaining soil. If you have any more questions regarding plant care, please feel free to reach out to us at online@altmanplants.com!Best,Altman Plants
You are probably overwatering them then. I lost one doing that but my Trichoceereus is doing great.
It’s that to me as well unsure way