To keep them from drying out, orchids & other rare plants are potted in this moss found in bogs
Accumulations of Sphagnum can store water, 
since both living and dead plants can hold large quantities of water inside their 
cells; plants may hold 1626 times as much water as their dry weight, depending 
... Peat moss can be distinguished from other moss species by its unique... [DOC] [TLE] CHAPTER 5 - Lancebirk.com [PAR] A potting mix must support the plant in order to prevent its delicate new root tips ... 
wet and then immediately dry out, Paphiopedilum orchids like some moisture 
about ... Only occasionally will Paphiopedilum orchid roots be found buried in the 
soil.