Platycerium Hybrid Cultivar Database: Complete Parentage & Breeding Guide

The world of Platycerium hybridization has exploded in recent years, producing hundreds of stunning cultivars through deliberate crosses between wild species and selected clones. This database catalogs over 400 known hybrid cultivars with their complete parentage formulas — an essential reference for collectors, breeders, and enthusiasts who want to understand the genetic heritage behind every plant.

Each cultivar is listed with its lineage category (the cross type), Parent A and Parent B (the mother and father plants), and the breeder responsible for the cross when known.

Understanding Hybrid Nomenclature

Before diving into the database, here’s how the lineage system works:

• DW — P. diversifolium × P. willinckii crosses
• BW — P. bifurcatum × P. willinckii crosses
• Lewis — Crosses based on P. bifurcatum ‘Mt. Lewis’ and related clones
• Veitchii — P. veitchii based hybrids and selections
• VW — P. veitchii wild × P. willinckii crosses
• FSQ — P. foongsiqi based hybrids
• VB — P. veitchii × P. bifurcatum crosses
• Hillii — P. hillii based hybrids
• WH — P. willinckii × P. hillii crosses
• Willinckii — P. willinckii selections and intraspecific crosses
• Other — Multi-species crosses and rare interspecific hybrids

[!TIP] Parent A is typically the spore (mother) parent, and Parent B is the pollen (father) parent. In many cases the exact cross direction is uncertain.

DW Hybrids — Diversifolium × Willinckii

The DW line produces cultivars known for elegant frond shapes combining the broad architecture of P. diversifolium with the silvery trichomes of P. willinckii. This is one of the most popular hybrid categories among collectors.

BW Hybrids — Bifurcatum × Willinckii

BW crosses combine the hardiness of P. bifurcatum with the aesthetic appeal of P. willinckii. Many of these cultivars are excellent choices for intermediate growers.

Lewis Hybrids — Mt. Lewis Crosses

The Lewis line is based on P. bifurcatum ‘Mt. Lewis’, a highly sought-after Australian clone. These hybrids often produce dramatic, deeply forked fertile fronds and are among the most collectible Platycerium cultivars.

Veitchii Hybrids — Veitchii Selections & Crosses

P. veitchii is one of the most variable Platycerium species, and selective breeding has produced a remarkable range of forms. Australian wild-collected clones are particularly prized.

VW Hybrids — Veitchii Wild × Willinckii

VW crosses create cultivars with the silvery sheen of veitchii and the elegant draping habit of willinckii. Many are bred by renowned Thai and Australian nurseries.

FSQ Hybrids — Foongsiqi Crosses

The FSQ line is based on P. foongsiqi, producing compact, ornamental cultivars with distinctive frond textures. Many of these hybrids are highly collectible in the Asian market.

VB Hybrids — Veitchii × Bifurcatum

VB crosses produce robust plants combining the striking appearance of P. veitchii with the vigor of P. bifurcatum.

Hillii Hybrids — Hillii-Based Cultivars

P. hillii based hybrids are known for their broad, fan-shaped fertile fronds and dramatic shield fronds. These crosses produce some of the most architecturally striking Platycerium plants.

WH Hybrids — Willinckii × Hillii

WH crosses combine the delicate, pendulous fronds of willinckii with the broad shields of hillii.

Willinckii Selections & Intraspecific Hybrids

P. willinckii is one of the most diverse Platycerium species with numerous named clones and forms. These selections and intra-specific crosses showcase the incredible variation within the species.

Pewchan Line — Veitchii × Willinckii Derivatives

The Pewchan line originated from Tonkla’s breeding program and has produced numerous second-generation cultivars.

Other Notable Hybrids — Multi-Species & Rare Crosses

These cultivars represent some of the most adventurous hybridization in the Platycerium world, crossing species that are rarely combined.

Alcicorne-Based Crosses

Andinum-Based Crosses

Coronarium-Based Crosses

Elephantotis-Based Crosses

Ellisii-Based Crosses

Grande-Based Crosses

Holttumii-Based Crosses

Madagascariense-Based Crosses

Quadridichotomum-Based Crosses

Ridleyi-Based Crosses

Stemaria-Based Crosses

Superbum-Based Crosses

Wallichii-Based Crosses

Wandae-Based Crosses

Other Miscellaneous Hybrids

Key Breeders & Their Contributions

Understanding who is behind these hybrids helps collectors trace lineage authenticity:

• Wanna — Thailand-based breeder. Prolific creator of Lewis, FSQ, DW, and VW lines. Known for the Rydeen, Waterfall, Riverflow, and Foongsiqi F2 families.
• Tonkla — Thai breeder responsible for the Pewchan line and many VW cultivars. Known for Kingfisher, Athena, and numerous BW crosses.
• Banna — Thai nursery specializing in BW (‘Japanese Hybrid’) crosses and VW lines. Creator of Monkey King, Monkey Mountain, and the Banna A/G cultivars.
• Woot — Breeder known for Veitchii wild selections including 3 King and Wukung.
• Yot — Breeder specializing in DW and Hillii selections, including Snow White and Raijin.
• Vandaka — Breeder of select FSQ cultivars including Delarocha, Kailas, and Salinger.
• Stem — Creator of the popular Sailor series (Willinckii selections).
• OAT — Breeder of the White Oat VW cultivar.
• KK — Breeder of Vodka (BW) and KK Star.
• JR — Breeder known for Lemonei (Veitchii × Willinckii).
• KTK — Breeder of the Vadee/Wadee cultivar.
• CNX — Breeder of Lion Head (VW).

How to Read a Hybrid Formula

When you see a cultivar described as “DW, Parent A: Diversifolium, Parent B: Willinckii, Breeder: Wanna”, it means:

1. DW is the lineage category (Diversifolium × Willinckii)
2. Parent A (Diversifolium) is typically the spore parent — the plant that produced the spores
3. Parent B (Willinckii) is typically the pollen parent
4. Breeder: Wanna identifies who made the cross

Some cultivars are F2 or F3 generations, meaning they are offspring of hybrid × hybrid crosses rather than species × species. These often show greater variation and can produce exceptional individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Platycerium Hybrids

What is the most popular Platycerium hybrid lineage?

The DW (Diversifolium × Willinckii) and Lewis (Mt. Lewis-based) lines are among the most popular and widely collected Platycerium hybrid lineages worldwide, with hundreds of named cultivars.

Are all Platycerium hybrids fertile?

Most first-generation (F1) Platycerium hybrids are fertile and can produce viable spores. However, crosses between distantly related species may produce sterile offspring. F2 and later generations can show increased variation.

How do I verify a hybrid’s parentage?

Authentic parentage can be verified through the breeder’s records. Reputable breeders like Wanna, Tonkla, and Banna maintain detailed crossing records. When purchasing hybrids, always buy from trusted sources with documented lineage.

What does “F2” mean in cultivar names?

F2 refers to the second filial generation — offspring produced by crossing two F1 hybrids together (or self-pollinating an F1). F2 plants show greater genetic variation than F1, making them exciting for breeders seeking new forms.

This database is a living document. As new cultivars are registered and breeding programs continue to expand, we will update this reference to reflect the latest developments in Platycerium hybridization.