That’s what I’m hoping.
I’m of the school of thought that sickness is a sign of a problem, rather than the problem itself. There’s even organisms that can be beneficial in the right circumstances, that act as pathogens when they get the chance.
The plant in question was already in poor health, so the infection was probably already hiding in waiting. Then I buried the stem too high up, and the excess moisture made the outer bark soften enough for invasion. There might have even been some fungus gnat larvae helping the process along.
As long as I keep it dry, I don’t think the pathogen can progress. At this point it’s more of a learning experience than anything. If things take a turn for the worse she’ll be disassembled.