Bromeliads, the vast majority of them, are shade-loving plants. Some can be acclimated (slowly) to full sun, but for the most part, they will get badly sunburned with sun between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Most are also epiphytic as well, thus their easy care. This majority have few roots and only use the soil as anchorage. They obtain moisture and nutrients through the water in their "urns".
I have rubber trees but always propagate them from branch cuttings. I have never tried to start one from a leaf, and don't know if that is done or not. Sorry.
