Similarities and Differences from Different Types of Kratom

Have you been seeing the word “kratom” a lot lately? If so, it isn’t your imagination. This tree, which is indigenous to Southeast Asia, has entered the mainstream vernacular at an unprecedented rate.

The leaves of the kratom tree contain two psychoactive alkaloids: mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine. Yet, when people talk about the plant, they’re actually referring to a broad category that consists of many different strains.

What are the main types of kratom and what makes each one unique? Today, we’re breaking down the major differences and similarities you need to know.

What Are Kratom Strains?

Before we dive into all of the different kratom strains that exist, let’s take a step back. What is a strain in the first place?

Put simply, the word “strain” refers to plants that have the same genetic makeup. This differs from a “species”, which describes plants with different genetics. If you’re familiar with the various marijuana strains that researchers have discovered, then it may be easier to understand how kratom strains develop.

The various strains of a plant are all derived from the same species. However, they will have notable differences that set them apart. These usually occur because of a genetic mutation, cross-breeding, or variations in growing environments.

In kratom, the alkaloid content in each strain is what sets it apart. To date, there are more than 50 individual strains of kratom, and more could be on the horizon as we continue to learn more about this plant and its leaves.

Thankfully, there’s a relatively easy way to categorize all of these different strains: by color! Once you understand what each color represents, it becomes easier to sort and classify them. Let’s take a look.

What Causes Different Colors?

Have you ever wondered why one strain of kratom may look completely different from another? This is due to the color of the leaves. As they mature on the tree, the color of their central vein changes, which affects their overall appearance.

Color changes represent a shift in the leaf’s alkaloid content. When a leaf is completely immature, it will be white. As it slowly matures, it turns green and then red.

A kratom leaf that’s completely red is known to be fully mature. At each maturity stage, the kratom leaves will possess different qualities, and they retain those qualities when they’re harvested.

In addition to color, there are a few other ways you can categorize kratom strains. These include:

• The place of growing origin
• The shape of their leaves
• The techniques used to produce them

While these represent the different kratom variations, all strains will fall into one of the four primary color categories. Here are the ones to know.

Red Vein Kratom

Red vein kratom is one of the most popular varieties. These leaves are fully mature and contain a high amount of the 7-Hydroxymitragynine alkaloid.

Red Bali

Red Bali is believed by many to be a hybrid of two kratom strains, the Borneo and Sumatran. It is slow to act but very strong in nature. For this reason, it is recommended for seasoned kratom buyers.

Red Bali comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree late in its cycle. It can be found in both the form of powder, or capsules. Having such a wide range of availability, it is one reason why it has gained in popularity.

This form of Kratom carries all the hallmarks of kratom products. Red Bali kratom powder promotes a sense of wellbeing and is oftentimes purchased by those who have anxiety and depression. It has also been discussed within the weight management community.

Red Borneo

Red Borneo is the workhorse of kratom strains. It is easy to get your hands on, strong, and has a range of properties. It can serve everyone from beginners to hardened kratom enthusiasts.

Small quantities of this strain promote a boost in energy and concentration. Large quantities of Red Borneo will promote deep relaxation and is researched by those looking for kratom for insomnia.

If any criticism can be made of Red Borneo, it is that the properties do not last long.

Other popular types of red vein kratom include:

• Red Hulu Kratom
• Red Thai Kratom
• Red Asia Kratom
• Red Maeng Da Kratom

In addition to capsules, you can also find 100% pure red vein kratom powder in our online shop.

Green Vein Kratom

Maturity-wise, green vein kratom is in the middle. Their alkaloid profile is balanced, as there isn’t one that outweighs the other.

Green Borneo Kratom

Green Borneo Kratom is known for enhancing mood and for some, promote a sense of alertness. It’s a well-rounded kratom strain suited for newcomers to the herbal powders and capsules.

This particular type of kratom is very widely sold around the country in areas where kratom is legal. You will not be hard pressed to locate green borneo kratom and if you’re looking for it, check out our bulk green borneo kratom powder here.

Green Riau

Green Riau is a very rare form, which grows only near the banks of the Riau river. The unique growing conditions have made it powerful, so it is closer to a red variety than a green. It can be a solid bridge between the two types for those buying different kratom strains.

Many green veins are less powerful but longer-lasting. Green Riau kicks this trend, giving power in very short bursts. This makes it ideal if you want a fast pick-me-up.

When you buy Riau, you are buying an energy promoting kratom strain. If you need to concentrate and get tasks done, Green Riau kratom has also been discussed alongside relaxation which is a nice mix.

Other common forms of green vein kratom include:

• Green Bali Kratom
• Green Indo Kratom
• Green Maeng Da Kratom
• Green Malaysian Kratom

Falling right at the midpoint of the color spectrum, green varieties of kratom aren’t as mature as red but have remained on the tree longer than white varieties.

Yellow Vein Kratom

The maturity scale that applies to red, green, and white kratom isn’t exactly applicable to yellow vein varieties. Instead, this strain is likely produced when two different strains of kratom (such as green and red or white and green) are mixed together.

While yellow vein kratom isn’t as popular as some other strains, it’s still important to mention. 

Yellow Maeng-Da

Yellow Maeng Da is originally from Thailand but is now farmed in many places across South East Asia. Traditionally it has a reputation as a high-grade, strong, and pure kratom. Many believe this is because it was crafted from the most powerful strains to create a powerful hybrid.

Processing Yellow Maeng Da does just as much to impact its effects as the compounds within it. This kratom uses a laborious process of handpicking, drying, and fermentation. All of this enhances the flavor and its effects.

When exploring Yellow Maeng-Da you can associate it with energy enhancement. For promoting and uplifting the mood, you may find red strains work better but buyers can expect a mild lift from yellow varieties as well. Yellow Maeng Da kratom is also associated with focus and concentration.

Other common types of yellow vein kratom include:

• Yellow Bali Kratom
• Yellow Vietnam Kratom
• Yellow Horn Kratom
• Yellow Elephant Kratom
• Yellow Malay Kratom

In terms of strength of properties, yellow vein kratom appears to exhibit a level that is most similar to green strains.

White Vein Kratom

While red vein varieties are higher in 7-Hydroxymitragynine, this isn’t the case with white vein kratom. Instead, this strain has higher amounts of the mitragynine alkaloid.

White Horn

White Horn is one of the newer kratom strains. Its name is not derived from the region of origin like most kratom products but from the shape of its leaf. This tree is not very common and thus, products from it are hard to get.

The strain is famous for its energy-boosting and mood-lifting properties. Some have also had the total opposite and have encountered a sense of relaxation.

White Horn kratom powder like its similar veins also comes in powder or easy-to-use capsule forms.

White Maeng-Da

White Maeng-Da is similar to its yellow cousin. This makes it strong, bringing with it a diverse range of properties. It goes through the same processing as the other Maeng-Da strains, being handpicked and fermented to increase its quality.

Originally, the white variety was prized as its energy-boosting strain to help farmworkers power through the day. This effect is still inherent in the white strain. Focus is another term associated with white Maeng da kratom powder and capsules.

However, white varieties tend to have a short, powerful essence. If you want a long-lasting strain, then consider a green variety instead.

Other common types of white vein kratom include:

• White Bali Kratom
• White Horn Kratom
• White Sumatra Kratom
• White Elephant Kratom

As mentioned, white vein kratom leaves have not reached full maturity at the time of harvest. In addition to capsules, you can also find white vein kratom powder in our online shop.

Discover Different Types of Kratom Today

Are you interested in buying kratom online in bulk? Now that you know more about what you can expect from the different types of kratom, it’s important to make sure you’re purchasing it from a reputable source.

At EZ Kratom, our team is dedicated to providing the highest-quality kratom products at a fair, affordable price point. We source all of our products from small, family-owned farms, making sure all of the leaves are precisely picked, finely ground, and dried indoors to retain alkaloid content and consistency.

Interested in learning more? Feel free to shop all of our kratom products today!