The Nature Conservancy owns the marsh on which one site is located. Detailed studies of this site are conducted annually, and a full-time caretaker lives on site

Known only from 4 mid-level wetland locations southern Arizona. Cienega habitat is extremely limited in this mostly arid region and other suitable locations in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico have been thoroughly searched without success. Most cienega habitat has been lost, seriously degraded, or is in danger of being destroyed due to growing water demands and associated diversions and impoundments, uncontrolled livestock grazing, the introduction of invasive exotic plant species, sand and gravel mining, and other threats. Many of these ecosystems have not yet recovered from the widespread erosion and channel entrenchment that resulted from poor management practices of over a century ago. Spiranthes delitescens is particularly threatened by the growth of dense vegetation around it (AFGD 2000).

Threats to Spiranthes include grazing, competition with Equisetum (horsetail), sedges, Johnson grass, and possibly fire suppression (Mclaran and Sundt 1992). Plants are nearly impossible to relocate in the vegetative state, as they grow among sedges and t

There are only four known populations in Santa Cruz County, AZ. This species may also occur in Mexico (Sheviak 1990).

Seeds have been collected by Desert Botanical Garden in the past and sent to a tissue culture specialist in Cincinnati, Ohio. From thousands of seeds, only seven plants were generated. Eventually all but one plant died, and the remaining plant was severely stunted. It flowered, then died. Although the plant was being grown in soil taken from its native habitat, apparently no fungal mutualism had taken place.

Since three of the four known occurrences in the U.S. are privately owned by ranchers, it is unknown if those populations are receiving any protective consideration. The Nature Conservancy owns the marsh on which one site is located. Detailed studies of this site are conducted annually, and a full-time caretaker lives on site. Neighbors on both sides of this tract have initiated measures that would drain water away from the marsh. Trenches have been dug and pipes laid with the sole purpose of draining away 'excess' water to increase carrying capacity for grazing animals, and ease of access.

Management needs include riparian water guidelines and general habitat protection. Research needs include understanding mutualistic relationships and their impact on reproduction.

Investigation into seed storage requirements, germination requirements, and horticultural information is critical. Additional collection of seed is also necessary.