are you pruning leaves off? if so, stop doing that, lol. and remove foliage strewn across your soil as that is only a risk of pathogen/pests. keep it clean.
Are there holes in those diy pots? if not cut some holes. if not holes, probably drowning the roots.
proper watering habits
1) water entire volume, never half assed. limited runoff to ensure this is fine. If soiless, should be getting 10% minimum runoff.
2) wait for appropriate dry back. Higher water capacity soils you should wait until 1" deep dries.
3) repteat.