"Nepenthes rigidifolia" is endemic to Sumatra, where it has been recorded from a single small area near Sidikalang in Karo Regency, North Sumatra province. The only known population of this species grows on a road bank. The describing authors counted 24 mature plants at the type locality. Subsequent field observations suggest that the population has since dwindled in number, with perhaps only two plants remaining. "Nepenthes rigidifolia" grows terrestrially in lower montane forest and scrub. Young plants have been observed growing as lithophytes. The species has an altitudinal distribution of 1000–1600 m above sea level. It grows sympatrically with "N. spectabilis" and a natural hybrid between these species has been recorded.