Kratom Guides

Most Expensive Kratom Strains: Rare & Exotic Strains for the Kratom Connoisseur

Kratom strains are often named for their country of origin, a specific region within a country, or even a single plantation where the strain grows.

Rare and particularly potent strains tend to fetch higher prices — but just how much do the rarest and expensive kratom strains cost?

In this article, you’ll learn about the rarest and most expensive kratom strain and what makes it so desirable. You’ll also learn about some other particularly expensive strains and what sets each apart.

Written by Wade Paul
Last Updated 1 year ago

Wade Paul

Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Wade Paul is the founder and editor-in-chief at Kratom.org.

What Are the Most Expensive Kratom Strains?

The cost of kratom depends on two factors — availability and effect profile.

We get high-priced kratom when we have strains with the most desired effects, combined with poor market availability.

The kratom strains listed below are expensive because they’re only grown in select villages, most of which are placed deep within the Indonesian or Cambodian jungle — cut off from the rest of the world for most of the year.

This, combined with the above-average effect profiles, makes them well desired among the kratom community.

1. Red Dragon Kratom

One of the most expensive kratom strains is Red Dragon kratom.

Most kratom strains hail from a particular country or region, but genuine Red Dragon comes from a single kratom plantation in Thailand. Given the limited quantities produced, it’s one of the rarest strains available.

Because the demand is significantly higher than supply, it comes with a hefty price tag of up to $20 per ounce.

In addition to its rarity, Red Dragon Kratom is also sought after because of its potency and long-lasting effects.

Depending on the dosage, Red Dragon kratom users report powerful pain relief, stress relief, improved mood, and potent stimulation or sedation.

While some strains provide psychoactive effects for just 2-3 hours, Red Dragon is known for its rich alkaloid content, which can cause results that last much longer.

Suggested Reading: How Long Does Kratom Last?

2. Yellow Horn Kratom

Most kratom strains fit within one of three vein colors and variations: red, green, and white. Yellow or gold kratom is another widely recognized variation, although yellow kratom is often considered white-vein.

Yellow Horn kratom gets its name from the yellow color and unique alkaloid profile obtained by letting the leaves dry out in the sun for several days after harvesting.

The “horn” in the name refers to spikes that grow around the perimeter of the leaves. The reason for the deformity is unknown and isn’t believed to produce many different effects, but horned kratom leaves are rarer than un-horned varieties and come with higher prices.

Yellow Horn kratom is prized by users for its stimulating and nootropic effects. It’s a popular strain among business professionals and students looking to improve energy and focus without the jitteriness of coffee.

Yellow Horn kratom sells for around $12 per ounce, making it rare but more affordable than Red Dragon kratom.

3. Green Hulu Kapuas Kratom

Another rare and often expensive strain is Green Hulu Kapuas Kratom.

Hulu Kapuas kratom grows on the banks of the Kapuas River on the island of Borneo in Indonesia. It’s rarer than most strains because of the very limited area for growth. The river banks are considered sacred by Indonesian natives, so much of the land is protected and isn’t used for farming.

Not only is Hulu Kapuas kratom a rarity, but the green-vein strain is the rarest of the three from this region, making it the more expensive variety.

If you can find a vendor that carries it, Green Hulu Kapuas kratom often sells for around $10 per ounce.

4. Cambodian Kratom

Finally, Cambodian kratom is a rare variety produced by mixing Red Horn and Green Horn kratom leaves grown in Cambodia. This strain is rare because of its popularity and the fact that it requires two different horned kratom types, which are less common than standard kratom trees.

Cambodia kratom is reasonably priced at around $8 per ounce, but it’s often challenging to find.

What Makes Some Kratom Strains So Expensive?

The most expensive kratom all have three things in common:

  • They’re only grown in select locations
  • They require particular environmental conditions to grow and thrive
  • Their effect profiles are considered above average (fewer side effects, stronger action, better taste, etc.)

The price of kratom strains can vary throughout the year, depending on the season.

Variability in the rain, droughts, and insect invasion can dramatically affect the availability of sought-after strains like Red Dragon or Green Hulu Kapuas — driving up the price substantially. 

Some years everything lines up perfectly, and we’re blessed with an abundance of top-notch kratom.

Also see: Can You Invest in Kratom?

Wrapping Up: Why Are Some Kratom Strains More Expensive?

Kratom strains vary in price for several reasons, including how rare they are, the size of the region they grow, their potency, and their popularity.

Red Dragon Kratom is the most expensive and rarest strain, as it’s grown on just one plantation in Thailand. Other uncommon and costly strains include Yellow Horn kratom, Green Hulu Kapuas kratom, and all vein varieties of Cambodian kratom.

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