The species typically produces ovoid pitchers with a prominent basal crest and large nectar glands on the lower surface of the lid.

A triangular basal crest is sometimes present on the underside of the lid together with scattered giant nectar glands measuring up to 3 mm across.

It has been speculated that the species may produce aerial pitchers only in deep shade or if provided with sufficient vegetation to support a climbing stem, as is the case with the closely related N. deaniana and N. mira.

[2] On Mount Hamiguitan, it grows together with N. alata (sensu lato), N. justinae[5] (previously identified as N. mindanaoensis), and N. micramphora,[2] and in the same altitudinal range as N. hamiguitanensis.

In his 2009 book, Pitcher Plants of the Old World, Stewart McPherson writes that N. peltata is "not currently threatened" owing to its extensive populations on Mount Hamiguitan and the fact that visitors are only permitted to climb the mountain with the assistance of a guide.

[2] The future of wild populations of N. peltata will be further secured if provincial officials of Davao Oriental are successful in their bid to gain recognition of Mount Hamiguitan as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[2][7] Nepenthes peltata shows affinities to members of the N. villosa complex of species, which are predominantly localised on ultramafic soils in the north of Borneo and in the highlands of Palawan.

As such, the presence of this species in Mindanao is thought to be evidence for the origin of the distinctive N. villosa complex from a common ancestor in Borneo.

[2] It can be distinguished from all of these species on the basis of its unusual lamina colouration, conspicuous indumentum of the vegetative parts, and peltate tendril attachment.

[2] Nepenthes peltata has no confirmed natural hybrids, although certain plants from Mount Hamiguitan may represent crosses involving it and N. hamiguitanensis, N. justinae[5] (previously identified as N. mindanaoensis), and N. micramphora.