I am NOT trying to create hydroponics that grow vegetables in rows from containers with covers to prevent algae and etc. I would just like to have a few SOILLESS water plants growing in a stand-alone 24" POT outdoors but NOT in a pond.

I took some cuttings from sweet potato vines and the likes and root them in plain water in small glass jars indoors without an air pump. They were all rooting and growing fine until the the outdoor temperature was high enough for me to transplant them. So..my question is: do I need an air pump for a 24" pot of plants?

Also, please advise me about what plants I can use in my case, SOILLESS, in a 24" pot. I'd like to have both 2-3 ft tall plants and low growth ones. I am thinking about reeds for the tall one? Good idea in this case? Thanks