Kratom plants (Mitragyna speciosa) are actually trees, occasionally growing as tall as 100 feet (30.5 m.) in height. They are native to the tropical regions of southeast Asia and, as such, are a little difficult to grow in non-tropical climates. It is possible, though. Keep reading to learn more kratom plant information, such as kratom plant care and tips on growing a kratom plant.
Kratom Plant Information
What is a kratom plant? Native to the tropics, this tree can grow very tall in its natural habitat. In cooler climates, it has to be protected from the cold, which means it will likely have to be grown in a container. This will keep it from reaching its full height, which is probably a good thing unless you have the space for a very large tree. It can also be treated like a houseplant, spending spring and summer outdoors, and then bringing the plant inside with the onset of cooler temps in fall for overwintering.
Growing a Kratom Plant
Kratom plants are notoriously difficult to propagate. They can be started from seed or cuttings, and both have relatively low success rates. The seeds have to be very fresh, and even so should be planted in a large group to increase the chances of getting even a single viable seedling.
Cuttings are also difficult, as they often fall victim to fungus or simply never grow roots. Place each individual cutting in a thoroughly moistened pot full of peat moss or growing medium and seal it inside a plastic bag, keeping it out of direct sunlight until roots begin to show. Then occasionally open the bag to get the plant used to lower humidity, eventually removing the bag and moving it to sunlight.
Kratom plant care isn’t too involved, although the plants are extremely heavy feeders. They need rich, very fertile soil with plenty of nitrogen. Unlike most plants you’ll find yourself growing, kratoms need virtually no drainage. They are very sensitive to drought and, in most cases, cannot be watered too much.
Kratom plants (Mitragyna speciosa) are actually trees, occasionally growing as tall as 100 feet (30.5 m.) in height. They are native to the tropical regions of southeast Asia and, as such, are a little difficult to grow in non-tropical climates. It is possible, though. Keep reading to learn more kratom plant information, such as kratom plant care and tips on growing a kratom plant.
Kratom Plant Information
What is a kratom plant? Native to the tropics, this tree can grow very tall in its natural habitat. In cooler climates, it has to be protected from the cold, which means it will likely have to be grown in a container. This will keep it from reaching its full height, which is probably a good thing unless you have the space for a very large tree. It can also be treated like a houseplant, spending spring and summer outdoors, and then bringing the plant inside with the onset of cooler temps in fall for overwintering.
Growing a Kratom Plant
Kratom plants are notoriously difficult to propagate. They can be started from seed or cuttings, and both have relatively low success rates. The seeds have to be very fresh, and even so should be planted in a large group to increase the chances of getting even a single viable seedling.
Cuttings are also difficult, as they often fall victim to fungus or simply never grow roots. Place each individual cutting in a thoroughly moistened pot full of peat moss or growing medium and seal it inside a plastic bag, keeping it out of direct sunlight until roots begin to show. Then occasionally open the bag to get the plant used to lower humidity, eventually removing the bag and moving it to sunlight.
Kratom plant care isn’t too involved, although the plants are extremely heavy feeders. They need rich, very fertile soil with plenty of nitrogen. Unlike most plants you’ll find yourself growing, kratoms need virtually no drainage. They are very sensitive to drought and, in most cases, cannot be watered too much.