Hi all,

I hope you guys can help me.

Two of my plants have their leafs turning brown and falling. I don't think the problem is related but the symptoms are the same.

The olive tree is outside on my balcony, it receives direct sunlight in the morning and end of afternoon. During summer I am watering it more frequently, let's say once or twice every week.

The other plant (I forgot the name, can someone help me if that as well) is on my living room, it receives direct sunlight during the end of afternoon and I do water it more regularly. A friend mention that the reason why the leafs are becoming brown might be due to light overexposure. Can anyone confirm that?

I have attached a few pictures to illustrate the issues better. Any help is really appreciated (also tips).

Thank you in advance,
—D

Your top pic is a( Edit) a type of asparagus fern. Like all ferns they love humidity. Place a shallow dish of pebbles and water below it might help add to the humidity around the plant as well as misting. You can trim off the yellowing parts but best to take care of the issue as well.

I am not familiar with summers in the UK but the bottom plant does look like sunburn to me at first. But that the damaged leaves seem to belong to one branch so maybe something else? Have you fertilized recently? Maybe someone else will chime in here.

with raising the humidity, but I'm thinking that it looks more like a fern that I had many, many moons ago. Broom Fern (Asparagus virgatus)

Could be wrong... not the first time!

I really don't think light over exposure would do this.
Though at the moment I'm at a loss as to what else to suggest on the Olive tree.

You are correct @terraferma. I misspoke. Not the first time. It is some type of asparagus fern. I will edit my post.

Thank you all, I will follow the recommendation for the fern.
Regarding the olive tree I am a bit concerned, it's getting worst and leafs are starting to fall. Has anyone encountered similar problem?

Thank you in advance.
— D

carolp said:be careful. Usually when a house plant gets brown tip on its leaves, it shows poor watering habits. water till water runs freely out of the drinage holes. Shallow watering is the main cause.

I agree. Shallow watering will cause salts build-up in the soil/potting media. High concentrations of salts in the soil cause water flow to actually reverse direction (because of osmotic potential), in effect the water and dissolved minerals in the roots of the plants move out of the plant and into the soil - instead of the other way around. So the plant is not getting enough water because the roots won't take it up to where it is needed. I recommend flushing out excess salts with 1/2 cup 3% H2O2 mixed with distilled water to make a gallon. Pour this mixture on the soil until you see water running out of the drain holes.