Nepenthes villosa often grows in mossy forest and sub-alpine forest dominated by species of the genera Dacrydium and Leptospermum, particularly Leptospermum recurvum. It has also been recorded growing among shrubs, grass, and boulders in open areas. Here the soil may become relatively dry, although relative humidity is usually close to 100% as the slopes are often enveloped in clouds. Like many Nepenthes from the Mount Kinabalu area, it is endemic to ultramafic soils.