Nepenthes lowii certainly is one of the most unusual and bizarre species of all Nepenthes. The upper pitchers of Nepenthes lowii are extremely waisted in the middle and the mouth is extremely expanded. The lower part of the pitcher forms a kind of bubble while the expanded mouth coloured in deep red seems to attract insects. The peristome of the upper pitchers is highly reduced. The underside of the lid is covered with bristles and the slimy excretions of glands which are located between them. The pitchers are extremely thick and become almost woody with age. The lower pitchers in comparison to the upper ones carry a well developed peristome and are much less waisted.

Nepenthes lowii is known from several mountains in Borneo at altitudes between 1800 and 2500 m. Throughout its range there is some variation in size and shape of the pitchers leading to its nearest relative, Nepenthes ephippiata. Nepenthes lowii grows partly epiphytic in areas where the trees are still high or in the moss in the summit areas. The slimy substance mentioned above has not been characterised so far and it is not known whether it is an attractant for insects.

Nepenthes lowii is an easy but slow grower and requires typical highland conditions with lots of light and cool nights.