No. Aloe vera, as it puts out offsets, grows outward, not upward. But you can promote growth by giving it plenty of room to grow - is it possible the plant's potbound now?

shouldn't need new pot. hasn't been there not even a yr. when I put it in a new pot should I just bury it deeper to cover that part w soil?

It stem roots, so yes..you can plant it deeper and it'll be fine.

I wouldn't bury the living leaf bases, I think that might promote rot (couldn't edit above and add this).

so not bury deeper?

I guess I should have been clearer. This one grows via rosette - as outer leaves age and die, they're replaced by centre leaves growing outward. Aloe vera offsets at the base of the plant.

d,

Planting it as you suggest would more than likely lead to rot. It does stem root, but you have to fix it so that it does that.

No, pls do not bury it deeper, that would likely cause it to rot. Try to plant at same level as before.

I've had aloe vera for most of my life...unless you over water it, you really can't kill it (seems).

d, yes, it is one of the easiest to grow, and will take mounds of abuse that would otherwise kill other plants. It could be rooted as you suggest, but it's not the easiest way to do so.

Another option is to cut it at the base and let it reroot. If you keep the roots and bottom stem you might get some extra babies as well.

thanks Organelle... so if I cut it at the base and wait for it to reroot, and then leave the original roots and stem I will end w two plants??? didnt think of doing this... will the plant really root again and not die? any preparation before cutting?

Nope, that's as easy as it sounds to, what I call re set. It might be bad time to do it unless you live in Florida or California. You need lots of warmth and sun. no rain for quite some time maybe up to a month.

I am in Boston, and the plant is inside my apt

Yeah, Matt makes a good point, it's not the best time- but it's up to you. If you're limited on space, it might be best to wait- it certainly won't be hurt by waiting. I get frustrated by leggy growth like that, enough that I tend to take the chance unless it's actually winter. You can also buy rooting hormone if you want to go crazy.

Also, yep, it's easy- slice with a sterile blade under the last leaf, and set it aside to callous for at least a week before potting up. Water very sparingly till roots form- I sometimes just set things aside till roots appear and then pot.