Nepenthes species are perennial, herbaceous plants, often climbing with their leaves. They may be anchored in the soil—they often grow in very acid soil—or may grow as epiphytes. The leaves are borne along the stem in spirals and have a winged or expanded portion followed by a constricted, often coiled tendril. This is terminated by a hanging but upright, insect-trapping, pitcher-shaped structure with a lid. Water within the pitcher drowns insects that fall inside.

The flowers, which have no petals, are inconspicuous, and the minute seeds are dispersed by wind. A few species are cultivated.