Pinch or snip the tips of some of the branches back to the next healthy leaf node. Pinch back all or most of the growth on the sides of the jade plant to encourage it to form lateral branches.
Irrigate the jade plant after pinching it back to thoroughly moisten the soil and promote new growth. Continue to water the plant as often as necessary to keep the soil evenly moist during the spring and summer months, when jade plants are actively growing. Allow the surface of the soil to dry to the touch before watering in the winter.
Position the plant in a sunny location in your garden or within 4 feet of a south- or west-facing window when grown indoors. The plant must receive four or more hours of direct sunlight per day.
Feed the plant an application of a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer to jump-start its growth. Mix and apply the fertilizer according to the directions on the product label.