Mine don't branch until they are quite large, over 3'. They branch by themselves eventually.

The dead spots could be a fungal infection and the plant is sealing off the infected bit, which then dries out. Aloes do that.

This one is probably 5 feet tall now, just wondering how I can ensure that it branches.

As to the dead spots, they dont seem to be going away, what can I do to help cure it?

Do you have a photo of the whole plant? Do you put it outside for the summer?

I have not moved it outside for the summer. As you can see from the photo it gets direct light for roughly half the day. The photo is looking to the East and to the right of that photo is another window that faces south

More worried about the diseased spots if you have any ideas. Thank you in advance!

Bump

What kind of soil is that? Is the drainage good?

Mix of 420 soil and MiracleGro succulent/cacti mix. Big ol drainage hole on the bottom

never heard of 420 soil- looked it up and some said it had terrible drainage- does your soil stay damp for long?

Not much longer than usual...? It drains out similar to my other large pot without 420. I usually water it infrequently and healthy dose of water so I would expect it to dry out before its next watering. Just kinda heavy to lift and check the bottom.

It seems like its not root rot though, not that im an expert in that but the way the plant has like hardened dents in it looked more like something was eating it?

Not sure- I'm still wondering if the bottom of the pot stays damp. I found this on the Missouri Botanical Garden site:

Culture

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 11-12 where plants are easily grown in well-drained, sandy loams in full sun. Plants usually appreciate some part afternoon shade. Plants thrive in heat and humidity, but are intolerant of frost. Plants have excellent drought tolerance. Allow soils to dry out before re-watering. Avoid overwatering. In St. Louis, this kalanchoe may be grown in a container that is overwintered indoors in a sunny window.

will try to replant with better draining soil then I guess

I believe this is the normal behavior of the plant, mine does the same - leaves eventually shrivel and fall off at the bottom, leaving "scar tissue". I was reading online and if you are unhappy with how it looks you can cut the stem, wait for it to callous and repot. Alternatively, place it where it can get less sun so it has to strech to get more light - this could potentially cause it to offshoot. At the end of the day just remember that it is best to underwater than overwater.