"Nepenthes spectabilis" is thought to be most closely related to "N. lavicola". It can be distinguished from that species on the basis of its smaller floral bracts, longer fruits, and very long unbranched spur. In addition, the species differ in the shape of their lower pitchers. Those of "N. lavicola" are to , while those of "N. spectabilis" are ovoid in the lower part and cylindrical above. Furthermore, the pitchers of "N. lavicola" are generally dark brown or purple throughout, compared to the light green and dark brown speckled traps of "N. spectabilis".