Kratom comes in many forms- like capsules, powders, teas, and tinctures. The name of a strain is made of two parts: the vein of the kratom plant and where it was grown. Different strains of kratom come from different veins of the Mitragyna speciosa leaves, which can be used to make the products.
What Are Kratom Veins?
Kratom veins run through the middle of the leaves and change based on when they are harvested from the trees. These are then used to determine the strain that the kratom leaves are.
White Strains
Veins are determined based on the age of the plant when it was harvested. As the plant ages, it turns from a light color to a green and finally red. White veined kratom is picked in the early stages. These are the youngest of the veins and are picked the earliest.
The concentration of the alkaloids found, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine increases as the plant ages. With the white-veined leaves, users often report subtle support.
White Borneo
Borneo is the largest island in Indonesia, the third-largest in the world. The island is a tropical island, filled with dense rainforests and diverse wildlife. Because of the high heat and amount of rainfall, the White Borneo strain is harder to obtain and less common.
White Maeng Da
White Maeng Da comes from the kratom plants grown in southeast Asia, like Thailand. Maeng Da is created using a grafting technique to combine the Thai strain to make a more stable and more potent supplement. This is a popular choice for kratom users as it is an easy to obtain strain.
White Sumatra
White Sumatra is grown on the island of Sumatra, a western island in Indonesia. This island is a large producer of kratom, coffee, and pine that is used around the world. Thanks to the high humidity and frequent rain, the farms grow these plants in large quantities. White is the most potent version of this strain, despite being picked in the earliest stages of the harvest.
Other Strains
The White Borneo, White Maeng Da, and White Sumatra are among some of the most popular. Those aren’t the only strains available though. The following are also strains of white kratom:
- White Dragon kratom
- White Horn kratom
- White Indo
- White Jong Kong kratom
- White Ketapang kratom
- White Riau kratom
- White Thai kratom
- White Elephant kratom
Green Strains
Green-veined kratom is picked midway through its lifecycle. This vein has deepened in color from its white-veined counterpart as it has aged. The concentration of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine has increased, making it the “middle” vein of the kratom plants.
This is noted to be the most popular of the kratom leaves. It offers a blend of support from the white and red-veined kratom and is often a recommended starting vein for beginners.
Green Hulu Kapuas Strain
The Green Hulu Kapuas is one of the rarest green strains to obtain. These are grown along the Kauas river on the island of Borneo in Indonesia. This kratom is said to have balance support which makes it highly sought after.
Green Elephant
Green Elephant kratom is grown only in the northwest of Sumatra island. Deep in the jungle climate, this vein of kratom can be harvested. This strain gets its name from the shape of the leaves, looking like an elephant’s ear. This strain also contains a high indole alkaloid count.
Green Horn
This strain comes from Borneo as well and is known for its highly potent support. The name of this strain comes from the harvest location of the leaves, typically in the middle of the tree, and spiked leaves that are gathered.
Other Strains
While these strains of green-veined kratom are grown in Borneo, other strains are popular as well. Some of these include:
- Green Cambodian kratom
- Green Borneo
- Green Maeng Da
- Green Malay kratom
- Green Dragon kratom
- Green Jong Kong
- Green Kali kratom
- Green Ketapang kratom
- Green Raiu kratom
- Green Sumatra kratom
- Green Thai
Red Strains
Red-veined kratom is considered the most potent of the kratom leaves. As the leaves have been waiting to be harvested until peak maturity, they contain the highest concentration of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine and most balanced of other strains. The higher concentration and balance of these alkaloids makes the support that it offers more robust.
Plantation Red Maeng Da kratom
Plantation Red Maeng Da is grown in Thailand. A grafting method is used to achieve this strain. One of the most sought-after strains in the kratom industry for its robust alkaloid profile.
Red Bali kratom
Red Bali kratom is grown on the island of Bali in Indonesia. With temperatures in the 80s and high humidity, the island has a stable climate to promote the growth of kratom.
Red Borneo kratom
Red Borneo kratom is grown on the island of Borneo and is harvested at peak maturity. With a strong aroma, this strain is a popular type for avid users as it is more readily available than other veins.
Other Red Strains
- Red Cambodian kratom
- Red Dragon kratom
- Red Elephant kratom
- Red Hulu Kapuas
- Red Indo kratom
- Red Jong Kong kratom
- Red Cali kratom
- Red Ketapang kratom
- Red Raui kratom
- Red Sumatra kratom
- Red Thai
Yellow Strains
Technically speaking, the only three colors of kratom veins are Green, Red, and White. However, there is a yellow vein as well. It is made from a drying process of white kratom that makes it deepen in color as it dries. While not naturally occurring, it is used for several strains.
Yellow veins are white-veined that are harvested, dried, and then can be used. Some popular versions of Yellow strains include:
- Yellow Thai kratom
- Yellow Maeng Da kratom
- Yellow Bali kratom
- Yellow Vietnam
Wrapping Up
Each strain offers a little something different which makes it stand apart from other strains. They will vary in their potency levels according to their vein color and where they were grown. It will all come down to the user and the type of support they are seeking. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to kratom strains.
We do ask that all of our customers talk with their regular physicians before making a purchase. They will know your medical history and be able to advise you on kratom. If you have any questions about our products do not hesitate to reach out to us.
