Kratom

On Feb 27, 2021, Kujo17 from Midlothian, VA wrote:

Have been growing several trees from rooted cutting [bought online] here in zone 7a for almost 4 years now. All kept in pots and overwintered in heated room. Largest is roughly 7ft and is in a 5gal hydropower which I keep in a 17gal plastic tote. The tote I keep filled with several inches of water year round. It is cumbersome to move seasonally but I manage with a dolly and imo is worth it. Thrive in moisture and high humidity. Love heat aswell , humid heat, but do have slowing of growth at temps above roughly 100F and the same slowing/halting of growth below 55F/60F [estimate] they also tend to like acidic soil from what I can tell. Usually mix organic compost, vermiculite, peat moss, and top soil for my Mitragyna. Blooms are yellow and very reminiscent of the Temperate climate Button Bus... read moreh. They are infact distant relatives. Mitragyma is also distantly related to the coffee tree. As someone else mentioned the seeds, if found somewhere, are NOT viable for very long at all. If purchasing be very cautious of claims otherwise. Low germination rate aswell, but the genetic diversity from seed grown is also invaluable to a 'collector's as almost ALL cuttings available are likely originally from very few individual plants at this point. Alkaloids are not present for several years - sometimes 7+- and will take time to mature in seef grown. However cuttings from mature trees will produce alkaloids at the same rate as the parent, so day 1 for a buyer. Alkaloid rates do fluctuate throughout the year from a lot of variables. The plant itself changes aswell with leaf color and new leaf color fluctuating from bright lime. Yellow/green to darker greens, and even reds. Same with stem color, the stem color will change throughout the year according to season and variables. One tree may have white, red, or green veins year round or cycle. The leaves are very aesthetically appealing for anyone taking s botanical interest. Aside from the immense medicinal benefits , it's just a striking plant in itself in my opinion. Easily one of my favorites.

On Aug 19, 2015, nifty413 from Garland, TX (Zone 8a) wrote:

The leaves of this plant have many beneficial medicinal qualities. The species is one of the most useful, yet overlooked, of the ethnobotanicals/homeopathics in western medicine.

On Dec 1, 2011, ggrowler from Fruitville, FL wrote:

I ordered this tree from KTbotanicals.com as a rooted & potted cutting in early May of 2011. It was in fabulous condition when it arrived after three days in the mail.

I was told that it would need to adjust to my area (9b) but that where it grows naturally in Thailand has a very similar to climate to that of Florida. The tree took off within a month, and has branched out beautifully; I initially had a small issue with aphids, but I dusted it, and haven't seen any bugs since.

What I've learned so far about this tree:
It prefers partial sunlight as a young tree; direct full sun will burn it.
One can scarcely over-water it. Remember it's indigenous to a rain-forest.
One should bring the tree inside if temperatures fall below 45F. (This is w... read morehat the seller told me) The areas that this tree grows in Thailand and surrounding countries don't freeze, therefore Kratom requires some protection.
My cats seem to like to nibble on the leaves.
The leaves are very BITTER. I wouldn't suggest munching on them right off the tree.

On Jul 27, 2007, thetripscaptain from Durango, CO wrote:

Leaves can be used as a stimulant and pain killer but there are some side effects. This plant is indigenous to Thailand where it is actually illegal. It's a gorgeous tree, though. Great addition to a tropical garden or ethnobotanical collection.