Aeroponics enables consistent cutting propagation of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): impacts of photoperiod, cultivar, and rooting hormone

Our results showed that the aeroponic system consistently yielded a significantly higher rooting percentage and better rooting quality compared to the greenhouse mist system across the three cultivars. Such qualities included greater final root number, root dry mass, root length, root area, root volume, and higher numbers of root tips, forks, and crossings. However, the aeroponic system may pose a possibility of spreading pathogens. This study, for the first time, demonstrates that photoperiod, rooting system, and cultivar are crucial factors in rooting kratom cuttings. The aeroponic system represents a new and effective way of propagating kratom cuttings year-round.