Kratom-Growing your own

[wildscapes]

I am wondering if any of the people here growing their own kratom plants have produced potent leaves. The reason I am asking is because I have read that plants that aren't grown in the native range or that are grown in greenhouses are not potent. Has anyone experienced anything contrary to this?

So if kratom plants can be grown hydroponically does this mean that they like lots of water or constantly moist soil? I have also read that wild kratom grows in swamps or swampy areas.
I have lots of swampy areas in the natural areas around me and know that some plant species that grow in swampy areas can't actually grow in the swamp, where the water stands for long periods of time, like redbays, pines, and some others, but they can grow right on the edge of the swamp in raised areas or where the soil is well drained.

Any ideas to what cultural variables may lead to potent kratom leaf?

[Vitae]

I haven't grown kratom but I can answer two of your questions.

One leaf of kratom will not produce effects.

Hyproponic gardening means that water with nutrients dissolved is used as the medium.

[scoobydoo]

Whether or not you feel effects from your plant is going to depend on the weight of the leaf and many other factors. The plant must be stressed to produce a strong effect. This means it should be grown in a high humidity, high daytime temperature, low night time temperature and with lots of wind. If you can control most of those variables you should be able to grow a potent plant. Generally, you will need much more than one leaf to feel the effects, not that I have ever tried it, but that's what I have read. A range from 7g to 15g dried weight should do the trick. One leaf , after it is dried, seems to weigh on average .3 grams. You will find different numbers than this if you search the internet, but the average I have found after picking 72 leaves is that they average out to .30 grams.

Check out my plants in the photo gallery if you wnat to see if Kratom grows well hydroponically. So far I have had great results from hydro. In addition, I think hydro supplies the plants with lots of nutrients and you can keep the environment hot and humid, much like a tropical seeting. Everything I read said that greenhouse plants were not very potent. Well...grehouses are different (usually) than growing hydro.

PM if you want more details or you just want to discuss your progress.

[Vitae]

Hehe, that is pretty cool.

What I am wondering is if kratom plants will ever get to a useful size if they are grown in a greenhouse? Don't they have to become almost like a tree to continually produce good quality leaves in sufficient amounts?

If I lived in a country where I could plant a kratom-tree in my backyard I definitely would though.

[scoobydoo]

I have had my plant for 2.5 months. When it arrived to my house it had 6 leaves and was 8 inches tall. After two months I have picked approximately 120 leaves from the plant and last night when I measured the plant it was 35 inches tall. My leaves generally weigh .3 grams after they are dry. This means I have harvested about 36 grams of dried leaf. Not to mention, the plant still has probably 130 to 150 leaves left on it. Once the plant gets to a certain bushiness (not sure if that's a word) the leaf production multiplies. If I had to guess, I would say that my plant is growing probably ten new leaves every two or three days.

I am in the process of growing some cuttings from this plant too. Hopefully in another month I will have three more plants. Four plants is about all my growbox can handle.

I think greenhouse plants are not potent because there is not enough stresses on the plant (as stated above). But try doing a simple hydroponic bubbler setup. It is so easy to maintain and the Kraton plant loves it. Everything is cheap to make this hydro set work except for the grow light and electricity. But, to me it is worth the money just because it is so fun to watch it grow.

[Vitae]

Mmm...I got very tempted...:)

I already have an aquarium pump and air-stones, so I guess I could build a bubbler fairly easy. Problem is space atm.

Do you grow yours under an HPS-lamp, Scooby?

[scoobydoo]

Look for my most recent picture in a couple of days. I posted it today so it should show up in a couple of days.

I use a 400 watt metal halide conversion bulb. The ballast I have is a HPS Ballast but I use the metal halide for this plant because it gives a better white light spectrum (more conducive to vegetative growth).

You know, I use to be so intimidated by hydroponic growing. People like to make it sound so much harder than it really is. This is only the second year I have ever grown a plant hydroponically and have had very good success both years. On top of it being easy, it is a blast to watch how fast plants grow this way. God, I sound like a nerd. But seriously, there will be growth spurts where the plant will grow up to an inch and sometimes two in one day.

[Nate]

Thanks for the pics scoob, wildscapes. Very nice additions to our gallery.

[Moxiousness]

I've had GREAT luck in the past growing a certain plant hydroponically. But I was wondering, Kratom is more of a tree, correct? It just seems like unless you kept it trimmed often (not a bad thing if you are harvesting leaves) wouldnt it get too big for most setups to support it?

[palecricket1]

yeah that's one of the main reasons I haven't joined on the band waggon: I can't fit anything in my room that's bigger than 3 feet tall. I could keep it out in the summer, but I sure don't want to be sleeping with a tree all winter long :lol: so scoob it's the lack of stressing that makes greenhouse kratom suck eh? any idea what would be a safe way to stress it indoors?

[scoobydoo]

It is a tree and it can grow very big but it will only grow as big as the container it’s in. So, if you use 8 to 10 inch net pots the roots and tree will only grow as big as there is room. My guess is about 4 feet high. The reason, I believe, this plant is weak when grown in a greenhouse is because in this setting it is constantly receiving nutrients and oxygen. The tree puts very little energy into finding nutrients and oxygen. This is the principal behind hydroponics. When a plant spends its energy looking for food and air it results in more growth of the root system and less of the foliage. When a plant has no problem finding food and air all of the energy goes to the leaves. So, stressing of the plant, I think, is necessary becuase alkaloids are not created quickly and easily (please biologists, do not crucify me for this statement). Mind you, my major is in Psychology not Botany. So I could be wrong…but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night!!

You are right about needing a lot of space for this plant. If you want enough leaves to have at least one monthly harvest I would say that one plant 3' high and about 3' wide would be sufficient. But, to answer your question about stressing it I would have to know more about your growing environment. This is how I stress mine. The grow box stays approximately 79-85 degrees Fahrenheit when the light is on. Because I live in Michigan it is cold in the winter and my garage gets down to about 45 degrees f. So, Some days I run the light for 24 hours (this is a stressor) and some days I turn it off for 6 or 7 hours and let the Thailand plant experience the wrath of Michigan winter (I think this really stresses the plant). There are other ways to do it hydroponically too. If you are familiar with drip systems, ebb and flow systems, fill and drain systems, etc, you can try this method; let the roots get almost dry before you allow your nutrient solution to feed them. You will need to monitor this very closely. Let the leaves get to the point where they wilt and go limp and then immediately get them oxygen and nutrient solution. Basically, to me, stressing means almost killing your plant. Another easy way to stress your plant is with a fan. Blow a breeze across your plant to mimic wind.

My grow box is 7' high by 4' wide and 3' deep. I am hoping my plant will become a tree. I will keep you all posted.

[scoobydoo]

Who else is growing their own? There doesn't seem to be enough information out there for this wonderful plant.

[jbmac]

Who else is growing their own? There doesn't seem to be enough information out there for this wonderful plant.

Starting today, SWIM is! Got his plant on Ebay - About 2.5 feet tall,
just got it, from the favorite Ebay vendor mentioned often. Time to freshen up this thread - I have it outside in the shade - filled the expertly shipped pot up with water, and will repot in a 2 or 3 gallon pot soon. Orchid mix soil?

[Shamanix]

Can one grow a potent Kratom tree indoors, non-hydropnically? If so... how? I was thinking of just growing a tree in my room, near a window. If I had some grow light, had the right soil mixture, and watered it enough will it survive, and more importantly, will it have a decent alkaloid content?

Cheers -- Bodhi

[NeoNaut]

One has a greenhouse grown plant, that is stressed to to fluctuating greenhouse temps. Just a few quidded leaves before a day of pruning and watering is a nice pick me up. One has noticed the plant lose all of it's leaves after a period of drought. And after a quick repotting came right back to life. One does feel this plant is very hardy and easy to grow, just a little complicated to get cuttings to strike.

Kratom after losing leaves..
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/neonaut/Garden/plants023.jpg

will post pic of kratom as it is now later.........

[Shamanix]

Does anyone think it's possible to grow Kratom year-round indoors? Has anyone ever tried it?

-- Bodhi

[wildscapes]

Yea, it's possible, for sure.

[Shamanix]

Any good tips or grow guides? All the stuff I found on the forums and on the web are almost exclusive to outdoor growing, or hydroponic indoor growing.

Cheers -- Bodhi

[wildscapes]

In my experience they have been really easy to grow, unlike Salvia for me, no luck. I also have had 100% success with rooting cuttings in soil with root stimulator.

Just put them in a sunny window and give them some mist.

[Unit 054]

I've got a few going, and I must say, they've presented some challenges so far.

First of all, my cool and D R Y Colorado climate and these botanical friends dont' get along at all.

When I received my first one, I had to place it in a humidity chamber, increasing its time "out" day by day for a couple of weeks.

My second never went into the chamber, but it was a little warmer when I received it.

The leaves shrunk, tore, and shrivelled. My trees are now holding thier leaves (as long as I get them enough light), but I can't get that 'smooth, silky' look and texture in this dry air.

Now, they're doing ok. Not spectacular, but not too shabby, and I'm starting to get some decent new growth. They're living on my front porch, and require heavy misting constantly throughout the day. Fortunately, my wife stays at home and can spray them for me while I'm at work.

I think they'd surely like a warmer climate, as even in the hottest part of the summer here, night time lows are in the 40s.

I'm currently building them a humidified, heated, and lighted enclosure which will server as their permanent home in my garage.

I've also noticed an extreme sensitivity to light with regard to the dropping of leaves. The kratom tree will grow enough leaves to use the light it's given. Cut the light a little, it drops a few leaves. Cut it a lot, it drops all it's leaves.

It's been my conclusion, that this guy only needs 3 things. Light, warmth, and humidity. Humidity, in my experience plays a crucial part in determining the size (and therefore weight) of the leaves.

I'll post back with results from my enclosure once it's finished.

[wildscapes]

Hey, man, if you are in San Fran it should not be too hard to grow them there. You could proly leave them outside the majority of the year. San Fran is sort of similiar to my area climate wise, I wish it were similiar in other ways. LOL!

[Shamanix]

This is very true. But in 16 days I'm moving back to Vermont. So you see my need to grow it indoors.

Cheers -- Bodhi

[Eduard]

I would love to grow kratom, but I'm in Europe and there aren't many who own kratom and could be willing to give a shooting.

[jbmac]

I've got a few going, and I must say, they've presented some challenges so far.
The leaves shrunk, tore, and shrivelled. My trees are now holding thier leaves (as long as I get them enough light), but I can't get that 'smooth, silky' look and texture in this dry air.


My Kratom tree - 3 feet tall from lowbuyer - I transplanted it from it's tiny
pot into a 2 gallon container. Keeping it inside to keep the sun and wind off it.
Of course it was shocked a bit, and I notice both new growth and withering
leaves. Is it better to cut off any drying out/decaying/dying leaves first - or let them fall off when they are good and ready?

[wildscapes]

If it has lots of other leaves I would take off any imperfect ones to keep it looking beeyoutiful, but if a lot of leaves are blemished and half green I would not remove more that a third of them. Atleast, me myself, I cut off all blemished leaves unless there aren't that many leaves. If you just got it and repotted you could just leave it be to let it adjust, but decaying leaves can attract disease. I really don't worry about mine that much, but I never worried about my pedros either and today I found a couple of my cactus had rotten bottoms.

[Eduard]

decaying leaves can attract disease That's true. It could be wise to cut them off

[Hammond]

Thanks to a very kind good friend of mine here, I will soon have a plant to love and care for! Thanks! :)
Peace -Hammond :)

[sunsnail]

I was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers in growing more kratom using cuttings?

[NeoNaut]

Here's an updated pic, notice the leaves are smaller and lighter in color when compared to the large, lush green growth that occurred before the plant lost its leaves.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/neonaut/garden8-11-06008.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/neonaut/garden8-11-06009.jpg

[Hammond]

Is there a literary resource for the culitvation of kratom trees/plants, such as a/some sites or even a book(s)? As I wish to educate myself on the propogation as much as possible now that the wisdom is required in preperation of its arrival and commencement of intamate relationship with me and mine. Any info, points of direction for me to learn will be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys
Peace -Hammond :)

[jbmac]

Is there a literary resource for the culitvation of kratom trees/plants, such as a/some sites or even a book(s)? As I wish to educate myself on the propogation as much as possible now that the wisdom is required in preperation of its arrival and commencement of intamate relationship with me and mine. Any info, points of direction for me to learn will be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys
Peace -Hammond :)


I like the plant I got from lowbuyer on ebay - but it sure does like to
drop leaves! I read that without sun, it drops leaves, but I just transplanted it,
so I kept it inside a few days. Nice to start with a 3 foot plant.

[Hammond]

Amen to that!

[jupe]

Could Kratom adapt to a colder climate and thrive? Like southern california? we have warmish days all year, but average soil temps are cool (60's) and nights get down below freezing sometimes....

[jbmac]

What I've read, is you take them inside during the coldest parts of winter, that's what I heard.

[NeoNaut]

Mine survived a northern california winter inside an unheated greenhouse. This year I am going to heat it, just to be safe. When it got down to 40 degrees, I was a little worried, but she pulled through fine. :)

[Eduard]

So it was near to 0 celcius, not exactly though...? They say it is hardy when it is got to grow bit more than a foot long.

[Shamanix]

I've been reading up on growing Kratom for some time now, and have yet to find a really guide, thorough guide, but I did come close. Considering the lack of information, I thought I would share this guide. Many pardons if this has been posted before!

When your plant arrives, carefully remove the plant from the box, minding use of sharp instruments, cut the tape, not the box in a warmer area, free from drafts to avoid dehydration. Carefully remove all packaging disturbing the plant as little as possible. Your plant may or may not be noticeably wilted. This is to be expected from the shock of transport. Do not be alarmed if it looks a little 'sad'. Keep plant away from direct artificial or natural light for at least a day. A dimly lit room, such as the counter or table top in front of drawn shades or blinds is considered indirect lighting. It needs to adjust to the new environment.

Water the plant generously, but do not allow to stand in water for more than 2-3 hours per day. The plant should 'perk' up within a few hours. Give another drink if needed after being revived.

This plant will need acclimation to direct sunlight. You may acclimate it by gradually increasing the amount of daily exposure 30 minutes to 1 hour per day over the next week or two. Any greater exposure to direct sunlight may risk significant sunburn. Keep a close eye on the plant and adjust accordingly.

Kratom is a very interesting species that will require VERY well-drained soil. I highly recommend Miracle-Gro potting mix as an excellent source of nutrients for proper leaf production and plant stability. Kratom requires an ample amount of lighting that is very bright, however not harsh sun. If adequate lighting is not maintained consistently, leaf drop will occur quite severely until the plant can use what light is available. You may find the use of fluorescent lighting to be amicable and ultimately will be easier to control during the shorter winter months. Consider the plant's native habit, Thailand and Africa, where the tropical zones are moist and warm and days are long. Should artificial lighting be impractical for your needs, 4-5 hours of early morning sun should be sufficient.

The temperature that you may find comfortable will ultimately make your new plant comfortable. Much higher than 90 degrees F and leaf production is slowed slightly, although the plant loves plenty of humidity and higher temps. Much lower than 50 degrees F and the plant will stop growing pretty much altogether; remaining dormant until warmer temperatures are maintained all the while, dropping nearly every leaf. Please understand this plant is tropical in nature and will not survive freezing temperatures.

You should want to water when the very top of soil becomes slightly dry in appearance or to touch. Lack of sufficient water will result in smaller stunted leaves and much slower growth. Misting once or twice daily will help alleviate stress of a drier climate as well help prevent many opportunities for pests which often prefer the dry undersides and joints of plants in general. Kratom prefers fairly damp, VERY well-drained potting soil. I use ONLY miracle-gro potting mix for the Kratom. No moss, no vermiculite, nothing but the potting mix. Root growth, again, is rather slow, allowing you to keep the plant potted longer.

If you do not keep the soil moistened, the leaves will still continue to grow, however, they seem to have a slightly sticky resin that keeps them clasped together before they are actually released from the xylem meristem tissue. The higher the relative moisture the plant is exposed to, the less viscous the sticky resin is; which in turn, allows the mirrored leaves to easily separate from each other. If the moisture content drops even a little, the resin becomes more sticky and the leaflets hold together more tightly. The leaves still emerge, but the stickiness tends to tear the edges slightly like this:

If the moisture content is balanced the leaves will open freely and appear with no tears or serration's

The hard part is just getting the balance between too much and too little, something that is difficult to make 100% perfect because of the ever-changing humidity indoors. A humidifier can be used in combination with misting to emulate a rain forest as best as possible, but don't worry if you have the problems of leaf tears and serrations. The leaves are still very practical, just not as 'pretty'.

The main concern I have found for good leaf production to remain, and the leaves not to fall, is adequate lighting. This plant is going to require more lighting than most plants. If lighting is not appropriate, leaves fall from here to kingdom come. Increasing light exposure to 15 hours timed artificial lighting has shown successful results. I recommend one 40-watt fluorescent GE Gro Tube and one 40-watt Solar spectrum aquarium light. It's buy far the cheapest fix (electricity-wise), however you may have more suitable lighting, or find other ways. Watch your plant closely and you will learn to accommodate it to the most suitable growing environment.

As I have mentioned before, insects are very attracted to Kratom plants. If you chose to put your plant outside, watch it closely. Within one day you may see significant damage to leaves. If this occurs, bring the plant inside immediately. The use of pesticides are strongly discouraged if you plan on using this plant for its medicinal qualities. You can put it in a windowsill and mist daily, but artificial lighting may be more suitable for faster growth. Indoor pests to be aware of are cats. If you share your home with a cat, consider putting the plant in a location that your frisky feline will not be tempted to disturb the plant. Cats have been known to eat the leaves of the plant. While this is not healthy for your plant, there are no known dangers to your cat. It is unlikely that a cat would eat enough of a this plant to experience noticeable side effects.

Watch your plant closely and you will learn to accommodate it to the most suitable growing environment. With lots of love and care your Kratom plant can eventually grow up to be a Kratom tree.


Cheers -- Bodhi

[sunsnail]

I live in central georgia, climate zone 7b. Do you guys think that after a year or two of growth that it could be planted outside and not die through the winter? It does freeze here occasionally, rarely snows

[wildscapes]

Possibly you could create a water feature near your kratom plant. The

[wildscapes]

Dang, thats some serious evaporation! That sounds like negative humidity.


I am just pulling this out my ass, but maybe you could keep it in a humidified greenhouse, then try shocking it by placing it outside for a for short intervals of time, to possibly build potency.

It figures, because even here ditches and streams can drop fast during the summer, where it is like 80% humidity.

Yea, mother nature can overpower man in every situation.

[Dartan]

Just last week I received a kratom plant that I ordered. It's about 8" tall with several leaves on it. Anyway, a few days after I received it (I kept it next to a southern window under plastic) I moved it to a larger pot. When I did this I noticed several seedlings (kratom seedlings I'm assuming from the look of them) along with the main plant. Needless to say, this made me pretty excited! Well, after I moved it to the new pot I put it outside in full sun and it just loves it...except for the seedlings that is. If I keep them misted they do just fine and keep growing, but the next couple days I won't be around all day to mist them. I believe it's just the sun drying them out and to counter this I cut out a small circle of t-shirt and put it around the base of the main plant to cover the seedlings. Does this sound right to anyone? Or do you have other ideas on what I can do? Also, at what point (and how would I) do I move the seedlings into their own pots?

[EROCx1]

I may be a fool, but I'm going to try and grow it outdoors here. I have everything the plant likes here for year-round outdoor growing, except the humidity. So my main challenge will be to see if I can get the plants to accept the low humidity. I know it won't be easy.
I did everything I could to acclimate my well rooted 2 footer for living outdoors during the summer. First by putting it outdoors overnight to the AM then exposed it to the outdoors two hours longer during the day adding two hour increments each week. By the time I got to 2:00pm I had to bring it indoors, water & mist as I lost 25% of my leaves and the 75% that were still attached were all drooping down. It was a hot windy day. Now I leave it indoors most the day & outdoors overnight till I go to work in the AM and I do not have the time to experiment with incremental exposure right now. It grew fast up until that point so unfortunately I attribute that to the heat since living indoors it grows very slow. I plan to reintroduce it to the outdoors again late September. Open for suggestions, I am fairly amateur at desert gardening.

[zubsza]

Anyone use fertilizer? If so, what type/strength?

[jbmac]

Update, SWIM's 3 foot Kratom tree is just sitting there, not really adding leaves, not losing leaves, SWIM has to spray it with Thuricide every 2 days or the local bugs will eat it. It's just not humid enough in the Bay Area where SWIM (not me) lives. SWIM said he'd like to donate this tree to someone or trade it - someone that has a greenhouse.... Shipping is a pain, so someone in the Bay Area with a greenhouse, PM me, and I'll contact SWIM - thanks.

[EROCx1]

I was having a problem with a bugs in my trees soil. SEE THIS LINK (http://www.entheogen.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8770) Any tips would be appreciated.

[Eduard]

Won the bugs finally and rather surely... (knock, knock, knocking).

Well I hate those suckers

[zubsza]

Does any one know if redish purple spots on the leaves generaly indicate too much light? One of trees is getting some spots on its leaves, and I am pretty sure it is caused by too much light, as I have been checking for any bugs very carefully and have found none. This one is closer to the light source than the others which leads me to beleive the light is the cause. Thoughts?

Also, I know I've asked this before, but does anyone use a fert. on their trees? If so, what type/strength. I have found a mild organic fert. that I'm going to try on a couple of the trees, but input would be appreciated.

[jbmac]

SWIM's Kratom tree has lots of red in the leaves too, very mild fertilizer, not too much direct sunlight, not related to bugs - but man o man, local bugs LOVE Kratom - I think it's best in a greenhouse.

[RifeHeretic]

I do not use a fertilizer and have good amounts of growth. This winter it looks like the bugger's gonna continue growing inside instead of going dormant. Can't say that I'm upset, though :)

For me, I had some splotchy red/purple leaves on my seedlings. I think it is an outcome of stress and too much sunglight. They turned this way from a dark green, right after stupidly shocking them to an area that gets direct sun. IMO Kratom doesn't always need the strongest light.

JBMac, were your leaves red or were they splotchy?

I find with chlorophyll containing organisms, red usually means too much light.

[jbmac]

They are red flowing out of the veins of the leaf - it looked natural - not like a disease.. About 1/3 of the leaves are red, the rest are green.

[poptart222]

Well, I'm not any kind of gardener, I live in a condo in So. California, and I have a little patio area that gets only afternoon sun. Do any of the experts here think I could grow Kratom outside? Keep in mind lowest temp. is around 40-45 in winter, 100 in summer, and very dry ( almost desert). But growin seems like the wave of the future, I don't trust our gov't to let something this nice continue. But I really want to give this a decent try!

[jacky]

I think that a protected 40-45 might work OK, but dont let the winds hit it at 40 degrees , it possibly might make them drop some leaves.I have about 7 plants, some up to 5 feet high, and right now the grow room in my garage is between 45-55 degrees generally, with 60-75 % humidity. they seem to be doing fine at these lower temps!, I thought I would get some leaf dropping, but they actually seem to like the lower temps than the higher.

I was told that young plants are not active till they mature for 4-5 years,...but I chewed a couple leaves before work from my 5 foot plants and actually got a bit nauseas and could definitely feel it working a little.

[Eduard]

Great news Jacky!

I think kratom would need quite humid air in higher temps. usually rainforest plants need that especially higher temps.

When SWIM's plants get adults, SWIM woud start searching alkaloid factors, or simply things which may have effects on alkaloid content.

[RifeHeretic]

Jacky is your garage heated?

[jacky]

No, my garage is NOT heated, I use a grow light, and a humidifier. I am thinking about getting a water bed heating mat and throwing it under some of the plants. this time of the year it is only getting down to 35-25 degrees F lately, and the garage seems to take alot of the chill out of the air even without heat. I have had stuff freeze recently outside, but not inside the garage.

I may have to get a space heater if it gets too cold, and I would like to get the temp at a steady 60 degrees F at some point.

but it seems that temps between 40-50 can be "ok" for kratom if they are in an enclosed environement.

my plants are being grown in a plastic chamber, basically I used vizquine (however you spell that!) and created an all around grow closet in my garage 4 1/2 foot by 9 foot by 8 foot high.......so the plants are not exposed to the open air. I also have not put up the reflective blanket material surrounding the closet, I figure once I do that I might get a 5-10 degree jump in heating with all the reflected energy being trapped.

[zubsza]

Thanks for your comments Wildscapes, JB and Rife. Much appreciated

[Eduard]

Indeed Zubsza, thanks for all you guys!!!

[sunsnail]

How would one go about rooting a kratom cutting? How big does the piece need to be? Do I need to keep them in high humidity? What temperature range? How long should it take?

[Eduard]

There was that one guide but it did cost something. I'll found out, when I'll have something to do something.... takes time before seed-grown ones would be enough big

[jacky]

I just recieved the new cd about growing and creating kratom cuttings.

I have not tried the process yet, but it does seem a better route than trying to do airlayered cuttings the way I was trying.They suggest a certian hormone product that I think is going to work better than what I was using.
the cd is not too lengthy, and there was some information on producing extracts that I didnt really need, or think was advantageous to other ways I have made extracts.
besides the rather high price that the cd cost to obtain, I was happy with my purchase. If the process the cd outlined is fruitful, then the cost of the cd is basically nothing to me, so I am happy with it.
there was one peice of information that was passed on in this cd that if true, will save me some time and energy for sure.
the cd was ordered on a tuesday, and I recieved it by the end of the week, so all in all I will be trying this modified process as soon as I get my hormones in the mail. I was happy with the quick mailing of the cd.

I have 9 plants, growing under one light in the winter in a plastic tent type of set up in my garage. 4 of the plants have thick stems and are over 4-6 ft tall. 5 are scrawny plants that were grown in too small of pots for too long. the small ones will be no loss if the cuttings dont take. the large plants seem healthy in 60 % humidity and my heat fluctuates between 45-60 F. if it gets too cold out I may have to put a small heater in the room, but I suspect once I get reflective stuff hung the heat will be a little more stable. I pay about 25$ for the lighting per month for the plants, and move them around the room giving them inconsistant lighting. I dont actually want the taller ones growing faster until I can move them outside alternately in the summer.

the plants grow pretty fast, I started with plants that were only 1-2 feet tall....now I have plenty of bushy material and young material for cuttings. I also have collected a few ounces of dropped leaf, and enjoyed the most, the fresh leaf material.

the fresh leaf is nice with some processed betel material.
I have read that homegrown leaf is for the most part worthless, I dont think that is quite true. I have had a few experiences with my fresh leaf that were better experienced later at night, I chewed some kratom quid before work, and ended up feeling the stuff a little too much. it caught me off guard actually, and left me feelign woozy. I was pretty happy knowing this, that the material wasnt just for show, it does have some potential for herbalists

[sunsnail]

So I guess you aren't going to share the techniques?

[zubsza]

There was a tech posted by Eroc some time back either in this thread or another dealing with Kratom. I suggest searching for that. I'd find it and post the link, but I'm lazy...if you search and don't find it let me know and I'll try and find it or try to reproduce the general idea when I have more time.

[jacky]

60-80 degrees..
4-6 weeks...
try airlayered techs.
young growth...

other option is tissue culturing I think

[thetripscaptain]

I just bought a 12' tall kratom tree from eBay. All I've got to light it with is a 4' 80w flourescent light, which my other plants all hate but the kratom tree seems to like it ok. It will droop and look all sad if its not kept moist. I've had it for like 2 weeks and there is already noticeable new growth.

That's all I've got...

[BurningSnail]

my kratom tree is small, ive only had it a couple of months, and its been stressed but not super. I tried three large leaves weighing just under a gram, expecting very little...and was surprised to catch a decent buzz. I guess that qualifies as potent huh?

[aberns]

How fast do they grow? I have had mine for 4-5 months now.. they grew from being few inches tall to just over foot long... is it normal or too slow? They were sitting outdoors all this time... at one time they did not get enough light but that was corrected while back... or the pots are too small? Any other ideas?

Thanks!

[entheodelic]

I received a rooted kratom cutting a few inches tall (without soil) several weeks ago and potted it under a humidity tent. For light I used a pair of 37 watt compact fluorescents (200 watt incandescent equivalent each) in aluminum domes less than a foot above it. Most of the leaves dropped and the two left have turned reddish brown and look unhealthy, even though the tip has produced new leaves during this time. I measured the amount of light the plant is exposed to with a light meter (LX101B) at 10,000 lux. For comparison, sunlight at daybreak was 30,000 lux. Does anyone know if the minimum light requirements for kratom has been measured?

[zubsza]

When I had my Kratom under floros it did the same thing. I would try backing the lights off just a little bit. So there is a least a foot between the top growth and the lights...maybe even a little more. I know that helped with mine...although you may also want to try dusting the leaves lightly with some sulpher powder just in case it is fungal related. That is what I did and seems to have solved the problem.

Kratom likes filtered light...very much dislikes strong light...I had about 30 plants (from seed) at one point, and have certainly found out a lot of things that Kratom dislikes...I have 7 now haha...still haven't figured out what exactly they do like.

I can tell you this:
-They like to to stay fairly moist, but also seem to like to dry a little (but not all the way) between waterings. If they are wilting water immediatly...you only have a couple of hours between when they start to wilt and when they die.
-They like filtered light, and temps from 75-90 degrees F, and high humidity. Above 85 they start to wilt a little. If it is above 85 and they are in any kind of direct (sun) light it will more than likely die.
-They seem to like de-clorinated water. Have been using the same water treatment that I use for my chameleons.
-They do well in normal potting soil with a generous amount of perlite. Haven't much luck with other mediums (ei sphagnum moss, etc.)
-They respond very well to regular feedings with a mild, frequent use fertilizer (5-5-5). haven't tried anything stronger because the ones that were fed with this strength responded so well.
-They break down and depleat soil very quickly. Repot at least once a year to replace the organic material in the soil.

I am currently experimenting with cutting techs...from what I've been told airlayering is the way to go...I've been told 100%...there are some other techs I going to try as well. I'll let you know what I find.

[crazydewman]

well if they are as i imgine they are and as i have seen them (only in pics), they are quite woody and so with woody tissues your best bet to get a cutting that will live is to air layer it...

[zubsza]

takes a long time though...I hear 5-12 weeks. I have had an airlayer on one for almost 4 weeks no and no sign of roots yet. The protion being cut is still putting of new growth though so i assume all is well. Its branching like crazy now as well.

[crazydewman]

did you apply any rooting hormone?

[VarjaPirate]

I use a bubble cloner, perlite in netpots, and use a strong rooting gel... get anywhere from 75% - 99% success rate.

[entheodelic]

Can anyone here measure the amount of light their kratom is thriving with? If nobody else has a light meter, I would be willing to pay half for someone (SWIM, that is :)) to get one. A digital light meter that measures 1 - 50,000 lux is $20-$30 USD on ebay.

[zubsza]

did you apply any rooting hormone?

Si Senior

[teeko]

After reading through, seeing other people wonder if Kratom can be successfully grown in Southern California, i didnt find an answer.

So...

Is there anyone in Southern California who has a plant growing, or has any experience in trying to have one growing? please PM me,
as i am very interested in acquiring a few for myself and have only been told its not a good idea as they will most likely die here. I am inland, more in the desert valley, not near the beach.

[TheKingofHoles]

they like high humidity.

on a side note some of my kratoms have survived short durations of below freezing temps that burnt other plants.

their leaves weren't even burnt.

[teeko]

Yeah, that and they dislike wind is what i hear.

Its windy and arid.

And since they grow quite large, i figured keeping one in a commercial grow closet would only work for so many years?

[TheKingofHoles]

wind has never been a real issue for me, my plants have seen plenty of wind and only suffered little to no superficial damage. I think the key may be dry wind.

[teeko]

Heres the wind i have:

"The Santa Ana winds are strong, extremely dry offshore winds that characteristically sweep through in Southern California"

Guess ill have to wait until i move somewhere else.