looks like a lot of plant in a smallish pot.
Plus reflected heat from the surrounding surface.

Where did you find those balls?
If connected to the plant, post of picture of that, please.
If in the potting mix, perhaps slow-release fertilizer.

Also I noticed these little liquid filled balls dropping from my plant

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do you have any grape vine overhead ?

Drying lower leaves in the dog days of summer is normal.

I agree, the pot is to small. Not for the nutrients but it can get hot, heating the soil, cooking the roots.

Since you water it frequently (right thing to do IMO), are you also fertilizing the plant ?