The Basics of Growing Kratom

If you find yourself on this page, you are no doubt familiar with this centuries-old medicinal plant, touted for its purported health properties.

Although high-quality kratom powder can already be found on sites such as The Kratom Connection, perhaps your green thumb is itching to do more. Have you heard about growing your own kratom? Fact is, with a little effort and planning, anyone with a green thumb can grow their own kratom, a truly rewarding experience.

Some relate kratom to a spiritually invigorating experience, being both uplifting and euphoric. Taking a seed and cultivating it into a tree from which you derive your own kratom is a journey well worth the investment in time and energy, helping you connect with this magical botanical in ways you never thought possible before.

But why would you want to go through all of this trouble?

There is something to be said about knowing exactly where your kratom comes from, the process that was used to cultivate it, and the reward of a yield created from the fruits of your own labor.

Apart from that, growing kratom has become an increasingly popular interest among novice and seasoned connoisseurs alike. As more research is published regarding the potential therapeutic benefits kratom may possess, more individuals are flocking to see what all the fuss is about.

To date 40+ active compounds have been identified and found to activate certain receptors in the brain, leading to a variety of reported effects including sedation (or energy depending on the dosage), euphoria, enhanced mood, reduced stress, relaxation, and a general sense of well-being. Be sure to also read our latest article on the most popular ways to take kratom.

How to Get Started Growing Your Own Kratom

If you didn’t already know, kratom is produced from the leaves of a tree indigenous to Southeast Asia. Unless you happen to live in Southeast Asia (or a region of a similar climate), this could pose some challenges when attempting to grow your own kratom. Although Mitragyna Speciosa (the kratom tree) is a hearty pine capable of growing in a multitude of climates, there are some things you can do to give your tree a fighting chance of growing up into a kratom producer.

Starting Off: Seed or Cutting?

Seed: Although this might seem like the most logical path to take, seeds from the Mitragyna Speciosa are notoriously difficult to start a seedling from. If you’re able to get your hands on some, they must be germinated within a couple of days of being obtained from the tree itself.

Cutting: Obtaining cuttings from the tree and using these as a starting point to cultivate a new tree is a more ideal option, boasting a success rate of around 25%. If the first few don’t take, don’t get discouraged.

The Ideal Climate

Kratom thrives in hot, humid environments with heavy rainfall. Think “tropical rainforest”. The tree does NOT tolerate frost and cold temperatures well. During the winter months, if left outside, the tree will go dormant.

Temperature:

The ideal temperature for the tree is between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit but never lower than 60 degrees F. As a general rule of thumb, the cooler the temperatures the slower the growth. Ideally, a greenhouse with controlled variables of temperature, artificial light and humidity would be ideal.

Humidity:

Being a tropical tree, Mitragyna Speciosa prefers an environment Medium to High in humidity. The suggested range is between 90-95% in the AM hours and between 50-70% evening through overnight. It is thought that the more humid the environment, the higher the quality of kratom produced by the tree.

The Proper Soil

You also need to choose proper soil to ensure the plant receives the nutrients it needs. To properly feed a Kratom tree, the soil should have a pH range between 5.5—6.5, be exceptionally fertile, and have high humus levels. You will need rich, fertile soil with good drainage— you want the soil to remain moist, so that the roots don’t dry out, but you don’t want the water pooling in the soil.

Kratom growers have a choice between starting with a seed or a sapling. Seeds need more water and less drainage until their germination sprouts through the soil. Afterward, you will need to adjust the irrigation for the tree’s needs. Growers should note that finding a Kratom seed that is healthy and viable is exceedingly difficult; these seeds need very exact care and quick transport; often they age out or dry out of viability. This is one reason why many hobbyists decide to start with a sapling, instead.

Proper Husbandry

You have your sapling (or seed) and you have your soil—now all that’s left is to keep it alive! Kratom trees can reach 100 ft. high, but to start the growing process you’re better off with a controlled environment and grow kratom indoors with a plan to replant later. Once you can see the roots of your germinating plant, or if you start with a sapling, begin slowly introducing the tree to sunlight.

Caring for your Kratom An Overview:

Use a mix of natural and artificial light; you can use either a 12/12 or a 16/8 cycle for light (on/off).
Keep humidity levels as close to the tree’s native region as possible—around 72-74%.
Keep the soil moist but well-drained.
Watch for any fungus or insects; not all are harmful, but they can be indicative of the soil’s health.
Care for the soil as much as the tree; Kratom draws its nutrients from the earth beneath it, so the earth beneath it needs to stay healthy as well.

The most important things you need for growing Kratom are dedication, hope and a bit of luck. As more hobby growers discover the Kratom tree, more tips arrive on the internet to help. Some growers insist that using a fan to simulate wind can lead to stronger leaves.

Enjoy the Work of Your Hands

The leaves of the plant are edible, with many preferring to brew them into a potent tea. Other options include crushing and grinding up the leaves into a botanical powder that can be used in a variety of unique preparations.

It can take up to two years for your tree to mature, evidenced by a 10-20 ft. height, but once maturity has been reached, kratom leaves can be harvested at any time. That said, for the best result, try and catch them right before the leaves start to fall on their own.

Many Kratom users recognize that growing a single tree will not produce enough leaves to fully supply their teas, but they enjoy the process of growing something beneficial that they love. If you’re looking to supplement that which you grow, or are looking for a more immediate supply of high-quality kratom from farm to your front door, check out The Kratom Connection’s selection of top-shelf kratom at affordable prices. We carry Kratom varieties including Red Hulu, Red Maeng Da, Green Bali, Green Maeng Da, White Elephant, and White Borneo, to name a few.