A Beginner's Guide to Kratom Strains

Confused by red, green, and white kratom? You’re not alone. Ultimately, kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia.¹ It’s gained global attention for its range of user-reported effects and long cultural history.

If you’re new to the plant, start with our page on what kratom is and where it comes from.

Whether you hear names like Red Bali or White Maeng Da, all kratom comes from the same tree. The difference lies in how and where it’s grown, and how the leaves are handled afterwards.

Quick Summary

• All kratom strains come from the same tree, Mitragyna speciosa, but differ by vein colour, region, and processing.
• Red strains tend to feel relaxing; greens are balanced; whites are more energising.
• Yellow, gold, and blended strains are often vendor creations made through drying or mixing techniques.
• User experiences vary. Body chemistry, dose, and product quality all play significant roles.

What Are Kratom Strains?

In the kratom world, “strain” is more of a nickname than a scientific category. It usually combines leaf vein colour, growing region, and how the leaves were dried or fermented.²³ Think of it as coffee beans from different places. They all come from the same plant, but offer slightly different characteristics.

The colour of the veins (red, green, white) is the most obvious difference, but factors such as soil, rainfall, sunlight, and drying methods also impact the traits of different kinds of kratom.⁴⁵

Key influences include:

• Vein colour: Red, green, and white are the most common. Colours may reflect slight alkaloid differences, but don’t guarantee specific effects.
• Region: Strains are often named after areas like Bali or Borneo, where environment and soil can affect alkaloid content.⁴⁵
• Processing: Drying and fermenting change leaf chemistry. That’s how yellow and gold varieties appear.⁶

Because alkaloid content can vary with geography, season, and processing, it’s normal for two batches of the same “strain” to exhibit slight differences.

Strain choice is only half the story — how you take kratom changes the onset and feel.

Red, Green & White Vein Kratom: Core Differences

These three colour groups form the backbone of kratom categories on offer. Reds tend to relax, greens often balance, and whites bring the buzz. Science is still catching up, but user reports suggest varying levels of key alkaloids, such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.³

For a fuller picture of benefits and drawbacks, see kratom effects, risks, and considerations.

Red Vein Kratom

• Deep relaxation
• Relief of minor aches (limited evidence)
• Easier rest or sleep

Best time: Evening or before bed
Popular examples: Red Bali, Red Borneo, Red Maeng Da

Green Vein Kratom

• Gentle energy and focus
• Balanced, calm, and mood support
• Sustained concentration without jitteriness

Best time: Daytime or during study/work
Popular examples: Green Malay, Green Borneo, Green Maeng Da

White Vein Kratom

• Sharper alertness and motivation
• Improved focus
• Uplifted mood

Best time: Early morning to mid-afternoon
Popular examples: White Borneo, White Thai, White Sumatra

Other Strains: Yellow, Gold & Blends

Yellow Kratom

• Usually made by vendor-specific drying or fermentation methods⁶
• Reported to feel smoother and longer-lasting than greens
• Often chosen for balanced energy

Gold Kratom

• Created through oxidation or blending
• Described as mellow and warm
• Often positioned between red’s calm and green’s balance

Blended Strains

• Combine different colours or origins
• Designed to fine-tune effects or alkaloid ratios

Kratom Strain Comparison Chart

Choosing the Right Kratom Strain for You

• Energy and focus: White or green strains³
• Relaxation and rest: Red strains
• Balanced mood: Green, yellow, or gold

Other things to keep in mind:

• Everyone’s response is unique. Start small and track your feelings.
• Beginners often prefer milder greens or reds.
• Timing matters. Whites suit mornings, reds fit nights.

Whatever you choose, look for products with lab test results, such as Certificates of Analysis (COAs). Transparency usually means better safety and consistency.

Always pair strain selection with a careful dosage guide.

What Are the Best Kratom Strains for Beginners to Try First?

• Green Kali: Mildly stimulating, helps with focus
• Red Bali: Calming, suitable for evenings
• White Sumatra: Lightly energising, smooth onset

Kratom Strains and Preparation: What to Remember

• Moderation matters: Too much can dull effects or cause discomfort.
• Stay hydrated: It helps balance side effects.
• Forms vary: Tea, powder, capsules, and tinctures all differ slightly.
• Storage: Keep sealed, cool, and dry.
• Extracts and concentrates: May carry a higher risk due to elevated 7-hydroxymitragynine levels.⁷⁹

Kratom Strains: FAQs

Q: Is kratom legal where I live?
A: Laws differ. Kratom remains under WHO surveillance but isn’t internationally banned as of 2021.⁸ Always check local rules.

Q: Which strains are best for energy and focus?
A: White and some green types are most often linked to alertness and motivation.³ Effects still vary from person to person.

Q: Are extracts safer or stronger?
A: Extracts are more potent and unpredictable.⁷ The FDA warns against products claiming extra-high 7-hydroxymitragynine content.⁹

Navigating Kratom Strains Safely and Confidently

Kratom originates from a single tree, yet the methods of cultivation, drying, and blending give rise to a wide range of experiences. That diversity is what makes kratom so interesting to many and so flexible to use.

If you decide to explore, take it slow. Notice how your body and mind respond, and give yourself time to understand what feels right. Look for products with clear lab testing, avoid extremes, and use them occasionally for recreational enjoyment, rather than taking them habitually and risking dependence. With a little patience and awareness, kratom can be approached with confidence.

Safety & Legal Note: Kratom isn’t approved for medical use. Its legal status varies across countries, and effects differ from person to person. This guide is provided for informational purposes only.

Last reviewed: 11/11/2025
Reviewer: Azarius Editorial Team