I ended up going through PayPal as I agree with all of you; I didn't trust them. The case is still open but I'm hopeful. PayPal had me fill out an IC3 form as I told them I can't return the plant in its original condition as required, since the plant is pretty much a goner.
I'm squeamish about sharing the name of the vendor, but they have their own website and sell on Etsy as well as Ebay. I've bought from them before too and the plant I received that time was fine, if a bit small for the price (but I knew that).
