How to Grow Kratom
Cultivation Tips for Mitragyna Speciosa
Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia which is from the same family as coffee. It can be grown in tropical climates or, in cooler climates, a mixture of outdoors and indoors (where it can be brought inside for the winter). It is not frost tolerant and will not survive exceptionally dry conditions without extra care such as misting and shade cover.
Potency of Kratom Strains
There is some debate over the potency of different strains and the ability to increase alkaloid content by environmental stress. Some suppliers claim a higher potency with “red vein” kratom. All mitragyna trees produce red veins on the leaves at some point during the growth cycle. The more immature the leaf is, the darker the red vein. However, potency increases with age, so this becomes counterintuitive. There is some anecdotal evidence that the potency increases during periods of extreme weather, such as during hurricane seasons. However, most of this information has yet to be scientifically proven.
Watering Kratom
Kratom prefers wet soil, especially while growing outdoors. Sometimes the amount of water it prefers to grow best in seems unreasonable. Use a soil mixture that drains extremely well.
Preferred Soil and Soil Conditions
The best soil available at hardware and garden stores is Miracle Grow Moisture Control. Line the bottom quarter of the pot with something guaranteed to drain, such as crunched up Styrofoam peanuts or packaging, pebbles or small rocks.
Kratom does not become root bound easily. A container the size of a coffee mug can support a tree up to two feet tall. Care should be taken to keep the soil from drying out when it becomes large for the container. A water shortage will cause a rapid loss of leaves. However, do not give up on one which has lost all its leaves. Even a tree that appears dead may have become dormant.
Fertilizing Kratom
Fertilize often! Nutrients typically wash away with the large amount of watering kratom trees need. Start by following the recommendations on a balanced organic fertilizer. During fast growth periods, it is easily possible to increase the frequency to half the recommended time in between each application.
Another consideration is compost tea supplemented by a liquid, water soluble fertilizer.
Light Conditions for Kratom
Supply as much light as possible, although limit the amount of direct sun. Older kratom trees will tolerate longer direct sunlight exposure than immature ones. Until it has reached a height of three feet it should be limited to filtered sunlight similar to a sheer curtain when inside – or an amount equal to a sapling under a canopy of trees growing outdoors.
Pests and Problems
Outdoors, kratom may find itself covered with pests for short periods. A light spray from a garden hose can often be the best way to deal with this.
Inside, kratom is a magnet for all pests. Natural pest control such as ladybugs may need to be applied more often than with any other typical houseplant. Foliar pesticides have damaging effects on the leaves, including all but the weakest form of neem oil. Garlic and soap may not be effective. Be very careful if combining sprays and intense light. Frequent sprays from a sink sprayer are another option.
One professional grower contends that small to medium white, yellow or red spots, random cuts in leaves, and leaf drop are all common and have more damage to the aesthetic value than to the its health. Because Kratom trees produce new growth extremely quickly during fast growth even a complete burn to the leaves can be recoverable (chemical, heat, sunburn).
Active, dark red growth tips emerge from green, thumb-shaped tips symmetrically. Emerging quickly and becoming dark green they may grow to maturity in less than one day. Smooth edges are a sign of adequate humidity, although rough edges are not harmful.
Overall, mitragyna speciosa is relatively easy to care for.
New Growth
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Kratom Tree
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